Historic Loop Through the Heart of Fairmount Park
Details
3-3.5 hours, 7-8 miles, some hills, trails and some paved areas, many historic mansions, historic buildings, and cool places, great views of the Schuylkill River from. This is like a walk through the history of Philadelphia.
The Historic River Ridge Hike takes us past at least 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, Fairmount Park Horticultural Center, Belmont Plateau, etc.
We also may walk through parts of the Belmont Plateau Maze area which has roller coaster-like trails. Many of these trails are hidden and very difficult to navigate. We'll also 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 (2026), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (Sidney Goldstein 215 247-4459). Please text me after you donate so I can properly give you credit. Thanks. The yearly donation goes down to $15 in July; to $10 in Sept-Nov; Dec new year.