Self Guided Driving Audio Tour of Valley Forge

Download GuideAlong's Valley Forge audio tour for the ultimate Revolutionary road trip. Here, a ragtag group of militias was shaped into the fighting force that beat the British. This 10-mile driving tour of Valley Forge leads through the park to sites from the 1777-78 army camp, including recreations of the soldiers’ cabins, General Knox’s cannons, Washington’s Headquarters, and earthwork defenses. Along the way, expert commentary points out the many monuments honoring famous figures and ordinary soldiers who all played a role in the Revolution and shows you where to stop for a closer look.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   5 min

   This memorial honors the New Jersey troops who served under George Washington at Valley Forge. Known as the “Jersey Blues,” these soldiers were regarded as some of the most organized and dependable troops in the Continental Army.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   5 min

   This overlook preserves another section of Valley Forge’s defensive earthworks and offers views across the surrounding landscape. Washington’s soldiers dug trenches and raised embankments here to create protected positions in case the British attempted an attack.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   5 min

   This field marks the area where General Henry Knox and his artillery were stationed during the Valley Forge encampment. Reproductions of Revolutionary War cannons help visitors picture how Washington’s artillery forces trained and prepared to defend the camp.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   5 min

   This modest monument honors soldiers from Maine who served under Washington during the Valley Forge encampment. It also recalls the challenge Washington faced in keeping troops from different colonies united through a brutal winter.

5. 5

   National Memorial Arch

   5 min

   By far the largest monument in the park, the National Memorial Arch honors George Washington and the Continental Army. It stands as a powerful reminder of the soldiers who endured hunger, disease, cold, and uncertainty during the winter of 1777–78.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   5 min

   This monument honors General “Mad Anthony” Wayne, one of Washington’s commanders in the Continental Army. Wayne later became famous for his successful assault on Stony Point, but at Valley Forge he was already known for his fiery personality and determination.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   5 min

   This memorial honors the soldiers who died during the harsh Valley Forge encampment but whose names were never recorded. It serves as a quiet reminder of the many lives lost to disease, hunger, and hardship during the winter.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   5 min

   This historic house contains part of the original home occupied by General Henry Knox, Washington’s trusted artillery commander. Knox rose from a Boston bookseller and militia artillerist to become one of the most important military leaders of the American Revolution.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   5 min

   Built in 1851 and reconstructed after a flood in 1865, this picturesque covered bridge crosses Valley Creek near Washington’s Headquarters. Even the National Park Service notes uncertainty over whether it was named for General Henry Knox or politician Philander Chase Knox.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    5 min

    This granite monument honors Delaware troops who served during the Valley Forge encampment. The story here also highlights Captain Allen McLane and his men, who disrupted British supply lines and brought desperately needed provisions back to Washington’s army.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    10 min

    Built in 1911 for the Reading Railroad, this historic station now serves as a museum. Inside, exhibits explore George Washington’s leadership and the story of the Continental Army at Valley Forge.

12. 12

    Stop 12

    10 min

    These reconstructed huts represent the shelters used by Washington’s personal guard, known as the Commander in Chief’s Guard or Lifeguards. These elite soldiers were responsible for protecting Washington from threats both outside and within the Continental Army.

13. 13

    Stop 13

    10 min

    This monument honors the commander who held the Continental Army together through the Valley Forge winter. Washington combined military experience, leadership, and strategy to preserve his army while preparing it for the battles still to come.

14. 14

    Stop 14

    5 min

    Also known as the Isaac Potts House, this small stone building served as George Washington’s headquarters during the Valley Forge encampment. From here, he managed shortages, military planning, political challenges, and the daily survival of his army.

15. 15

    Washington Memorial Chapel

    5 min

    Completed in 1917, this active Episcopal chapel was built as a memorial to George Washington and the Continental Army. Nearby stands the Justice Bell, created to support the women’s suffrage movement and modeled after Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell.

16. 16

    Stop 16

    5 min

    This monument honors free and formerly enslaved Black soldiers who served in the Continental Army. It highlights the important role of the First Rhode Island Regiment, one of the army’s most notable multiracial units.

17. 17

    Stop 17

    5 min

    This stone farmhouse served as the quarters of General James Mitchell Varnum, one of Washington’s advisors. Varnum played an important role in proposing the recruitment of enslaved Black men into Rhode Island’s Continental forces.

18. 18

    Stop 18

    5 min

    This elegant estate was once the weekend home of Philander Chase Knox, who served as U.S. Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Senator. Today, the property is primarily used as a wedding venue and is not open for general public access inside.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
• Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
• Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
• Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.