Friends of the Wissahickon Host Fall Hikes

The (FOW) are offering free nature walks in Wissahickon Valley Park this fall led by FOW Trail Ambassadors.  

Meanderings in the Wissahickon with Shelly Brick

Saturday, September 10, 2pm. Meet at Kitchens Lane parking lot.

Saturday, September 24, 1pm. Meet at  the parking lot- near the Hartwell Lane entrance to the park.

Saturday, October 15, 2pm. Meet  at Chestnut Hill Ave and Seminole Street.

Saturday, November 5, 1pm. Meet at Wayne Avenue & Allens Lane.

Sunday, November 20, 1pm. Meet at Kitchens Lane parking lot.

Sunday, December 11, 1pm. Meet at the Springside School parking lot—near the Hartwell Lane entrance to the park.

Enjoy our park and share “talk stories” as we explore the Wissahickon trails for 1.5-2 hours. The pace will be set by the group. Children younger than 7 are welcome if they are hikers. Bring water.

Horses and History with Diane Garvey

Sunday, October 9, 1-3pm

Meet in parking lot at the bottom of Kitchen’s Lane. Difficulty level: moderate+. Length: 3 miles. A brisk hike over rocky outcrops and logs along the orange trail between Kitchen’s Lane and Mt. Airy Ave. Children are welcome with adult supervision; dogs on leash are welcome. More information: Diane@GarveyResources.com.

Geology Hike with Sarah West

Sunday, October 16, 3-4:45pm

Meet at Valley Green Inn. Difficulty level: demanding. Length: 1.5 miles. This rock talk & field trip is suitable for children ten years or older accompanied by a responsible adult. In a few places we must climb over rocks or descend steep slopes. More information: westsarah@aol.com. 

The Heart of the Park with Scott Quitel

Saturday, October 22, 9am-noon 

Meet at the foot of Rex Ave., where it enters the Park. Duration: 3 hours. During this rigorous hike, we will visit several of the Park’s greatest attractions and enjoy a lesson on the Gorge’s geology, state of Wissahickon Creek, and its surrounding forest along the way. Hike includes one stream crossing. More information and directions: squitel@comcast.net.   

Wandering the Valley to Find the “Best” Pictures with Bruce Wagner

Sunday, October 23,  10-11am

Meet at the warming shed at Valley Green. Difficulty: moderate with rocks. How can you get the best photographs of the Wissahickon? We will follow paths along the Creek looking for and stopping for unusual photo opportunities. REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR CAMERA. Children, accompanied by a responsible adult, are welcome so long as their parents believe they can manage themselves, the trails, the hills, and the frequent stops for taking pictures. More information: bwagner@temple.edu

Lower Forbidden Drive with Sarah West

Saturday November 5, 2-3:45 pm

Meet at the small parking lot where Forbidden Drive meets Lincoln Drive downstream from RittenhouseTown. Difficulty level: easy. Duration: 2 hours/1 mile along lower Forbidden Drive on level ground as far as the Walnut Lane Bridge. More information: westsarah@aol.com

Lower Wissahickon Park with Scott Quitel

Saturday, November 12, 9-11:30am

Meet near the Battle of Germantown Tablet, in the parking area where Forbidden Drive meets Lincoln Drive. Difficulty level: mildly strenuous. Explore interesting sections of the less-traveled lower Park. Visit Lover’s Leap and Hermit’s Cave. Breath-taking views, ancient boulders, and gnarly, old chestnut oaks. More information: squitel@comcast.net.” 

Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador hikes use rocky, rugged trails that may be wet and slippery. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots with socks. Long pants are recommended for protection against occasional poison ivy and possible ticks. Bring water and a snack if desired. Children over six are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult.

Walks are cancelled in heavy rain or icy conditions. Registration is not required, but is recommended so that you can be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations. To register, please contact Zane Magnuson at magnuson@fow.org or 215-247-0417. Visit www.fow.org for updated information.