Easy 4.8-Mile Valley Forge Hike at Pawling Farm
Details
Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Lisa Lombardo
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001M6m9
Audience: Adults
Description: Pawling Farm is a Historic Site that is across the river from, but part of, Valley Forge National Park. It consists of a small complex of older buildings and includes a generous parking lot. To reach the farm, turn off Pawling Rd at the Pawling Farm sign and proceed down the gravel road to the parking lot.
We will begin the hike on a field trail till we access the Berm Trail (my name). This less-used, narrow path runs on a high, narrow berm that separates the Schuylkill river from the inland wetlands. As we hike, you'll be able to see the river and the trail that runs next to it. This path gets overgrown in the summer, but in the Fall the underbrush dies back. Still, you should expect overgrowth and weeds - and the occasional prickly bush - brushing against your legs.
We will hike over a mile on the Berm trail. When it ends, we will turn onto the Fatlands trail that hugs the Schuylkill. This wide, flat, dirt trail will offer us lovely autumn views of the river. We will take the river path until we return to the field path that leads to the parking lot.
Instead of getting in our cars, we will walk through the parking lot and down an unmarked lane. Hidden at the end of the lane is the incredible Witness Tree, a sycamore that dates back to the 1700s. Its an amazing specimen, and you won't regret the extra steps to see it.
Although the hike is almost entirely flat (total elevation is 170 ft), you should wear sturdy hiking or walking shoes and bring water and a snack. Layer clothing accoring to the weather. If it has rained, the trails may be muddy. Bad weather cancels, so check the posting by 8:30am.
Please note: In order to comply with Pennsylvania Youth Protection Laws, all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. This policy applies for all events offered by the Delaware Valley Chapter as well as any other Chapter events within the state of Pennsylvania.
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!