Wissahickon Trail Gateway to Stairs

Along the Wissahickon Creek, Forbidden Drive, and Rex Ave. at some point you will come to a stone bridge. The bridge has a uniquely ancient stone gateway and winding staircase that leads up to a trail....

I haven't gone through the whole trail yet, but I am told there is a statue of an Indian Chief (Native American) of the Leni Lanape Nation there. But, Pennsylvania is so thick with foliage growth in summer that it couldn't be seen unless you took the trail. 

It was so hot, and I didn't want to drop my camera equipment off the cliff, so I haven't braved the trail yet. 

 If you google "Wissahickon gate" you will find any number of things, not just this. So, I don't even know what it's called. I figure it must have a name since our ancient ancestors liked naming everything, especially if they spend so much time building it.

This spot seems to be an especially popular landmark to photograph. I've found SO many blogs, and photos of it posted on Flickr, often with poems of fantasy themes or captions. It really captures people' imagination! It's especially a popular subject for HDR fans.

 This spot is at the foot of the bridge that crosses the creek. You will find benches to sit on also.

 Off to the left is the actual bridge, but this walled part leads to other trails, and to the bank of the creek.

The edge of a wall

 The ancient stairs winding upwards....

This is what you'll see at the top of the stairs...

The view from atop the stairs, looking down

The trail on the cliff above atop the stairs...