Historic Fairmount Pk Schuylkill River Ridge Loop

3.5-4 hours, 8-10 miles, some hills, trails and some paved areas, many historic mansions and cool places, great views of the Schuylkill River valley and river. Maybe some great fall colors too.

The Historic River Ridge Hike takes us past 20 historic sites in the heart of Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. Included are: Chamonix Mansion, Belmont Mansion, Strawberry Mansion, Strawberry Mansion Bridge, Woodford Mansion, Laurel Hill Mansion, Laurel Hill Cemetery, Orniston Mansion, Mt Pleasant Mansion, Smith Memorial Playground, Phila Zoo, Girard Ave Bridge, Sweet Briar Mansion, PA Civil War Memorial, Memorial Hall (Please Touch Museum), Japanese House and Gardens, Fairmound Park Horticultural Center, Belmont Plateau, etc.

We also walk through different parts of the Belmont Plateau Maze area of roller coaster-like trails at both the start and end of the hike. We'll take the Boxer Trail named for the boxers who trained in this area, chiefly Joe Fraser, when we are on the east side of the Schuylkill.

Carpooling
To carpool from Hill House (201 W Evergreen Ave, Phila) meet 30 minutes before the event. Carpool time changes if hike time changes. Text me 215-2474459, 3-4 days in advance.

GENERAL RULES : ••Hike at my pace. ••Hike lengths are approx: allow 30min -1hr extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. •• For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2025), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (215 247-4459). Thanks. The yearly donation goes down to $15 July-Aug; to $10 in Sept-Nov; Dec new year.