American Pilgrims on the Camino - Philadelphia Chapter

We’re posting this event here in case anyone might be interested in signing up for a BIG hike! The Mammoth March is an annual, “20-miles in 8 hours” hike set in multiple locations throughout the US. The Delaware Valley location (Elkton, MD) is closest to us, and is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st, 2025.

20-miles is about 32kms, and this would be equivalent to a big day on the Camino. But signing up (and training!) for an event like this could be the perfect preparation for a summer Camino!

We are sharing the event here with an understanding that anyone who signs up takes responsibility for their own hike. This is not a group event like our other hikes! We already have a few members registered, and depending on who signs up we can look into carpooling, cheering each other on at the start (and maybe celebrating at the end). Some members may choose to walk together but this is very much a ‘hike your own hike’. For an event this long, people will have different paces and may have their own individual goals. If you decide to participate, please be comfortable with the possibility/likelihood of doing this hike on your own.

If you decide to sign up, know that a few members have already selected the 8:00am start time. Do whatever works best for you, but for those who start at 8:00am, we can gather as a group and take our first steps together!

Here are links to the registration page, FAQs, general info:
https://www.mammothmarch.com/delaware-valley-25
https://raceroster.com/events/2025/91525/mammothmarch-delaware-valley
https://www.mammothmarch.com/faqs

Camino Coffee time (also known as second breakfast!)! Just an opportunity to meet up with fellow pilgrims, reminisce or learn about different routes. Or begin learning about the Camino de Santiago.
This month we're meeting at Evermore Coffee Roasters, in Burlington. Come for the coffee (very good coffee here!) or come for the walk (roughly a 3+ miler). Or come for both! Anticipating walking around noon, or earlier if the group decides too!

Dress for the weather, as we’ll meet rain or shine. Part of our walk will be along the riverfront so remember that as you choose your layers for the day. Bring your pack if you like!

Just a heads up, we'll be trying to alternate between coffee shops to make this meetup as accessible as possible.

Please if you can't make it, please...PLEASE...let us know by changing your status or messaging. It helps us know how many seats to save, or when to actually start our hikes!

Wissahickon Orange Trail and Forbidden Drive Loop

Approximately 6-7 miles through Wissahickon Park starting at the Blue Bell Field parking lot. We will walk the moderately challenging Orange Trail to just beyond Valley Green Inn. There are a few water crossings along the way, and tree roots to take note of, but very worthwhile -- if you haven't done the Orange Trail before, it is really a beauty. We will then cross over the creek for a more relaxing return on Forbidden Drive.

There are usually porta-potties at Blue Bell Field, and additional restrooms at Valley Green Inn where we cross over to Forbidden Drive, and then at Kitchen's Lane toward the end of the walk.

Afterwards, we'll grab some cheesesteaks or hoagies at nearby Dalesandro's (or if you are a rebel, at Chubby's) on Henry Ave., or you can pack your own lunch, and we can kick back on the grass at the field across the street.