Fingerspan

Fingerspan sits on the Orange Trail between Livezey Lane and Mt. Airy Avenue, above a steep ravine. Follow the official trail map and blazes; it is not visible from a parking lot or Forbidden Drive.

Use a legal mapped trailhead such as Mt. Airy Avenue and hike to the bridge. Do not use Livezey Lane for parking or drop-off because it is reserved for emergency access.

Visit in daylight trail hours and leave time for the rocky return. The Orange Trail approach may close for erosion, fallen trees, ice or restoration even when Forbidden Drive remains open.

There is no restroom at Fingerspan or on its immediate Orange Trail approach. Use a confirmed permanent facility before starting and carry what you need.

The trail and public artwork are free to visit. No reservation is required for an ordinary hike.

The destination is not step-free: its approach uses a narrow natural-surface trail, grades, rock and stone stairs, and the bridge has a grated deck over a deep ravine. Choose Forbidden Drive for a more predictable surface.

Dogs must stay on a leash no longer than six feet. Keep the leash short on stairs, the grated bridge and narrow trail, and yield to oncoming hikers.

Fingerspan can be memorable for experienced young hikers, but it is not a casual stroller outing. Children need close supervision on stone stairs, the grated span and steep terrain.

Download the map before entering and do not improvise a shortcut from Livezey Lane. Wet leaves, ice and low light make the stairs and rock approach substantially harder.

SEPTA buses and regional rail serve several park edges. The Wissahickon Transportation Center is across Ridge Avenue from the southern trail entrance, while other bus and rail stops require a walk to a specific trailhead; route to the selected entrance, not the park center.