The Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) are offering free nature walks in Wissahickon Valley Park this winter led by FOW Trail Ambassadors.
Meanderings in the Wissahickon with Shelly Brick
Sunday, December 11, 1 pm. Meet at the Springside School Parking Lot
Saturday, March 17, 2 pm. Meet at Kitchen’s Lane parking lot
Enjoy our park and "talk stories" as we explore the Wissahickon trails. Pace will be set by the group. Hikes last 1.5-2 hours. Children younger than seven are welcome if they are hikers. Bring water.
Orange Trail Hike with Merritt Rhoad
Sunday, December 18, 1 pm
Sunday, January 15, 1 pm
Meet at Northwestern Ave & Forbidden Drive. Distance: 4 miles along Forbidden Drive to Bell's Mill Rd. and then along the Orange & White trails to the Indian Statue, with return to Northwestern Ave. along Forbidden Drive. Learn about nature and some Wissahickon history. Moderate difficulty. Duration 2-2.5 hours.
The Mouth of the Wissahickon with Scott Quitel
Saturday, February 4, 9 am
Meet in the lower parking lot at Historic RittenhouseTown. Duration: 3 hours. In this mildly rigorous hike, we follow the lower portion of the Orange Trail to the confluence of the Wissahickon and the Schuylkill. We return via parts of the Yellow Trail and a special, seldom trodden trail. Along the way, see old Wissahickon Hall, the Philadelphia Canoe Club, 100 Steps, Hermit's Cave, Lover's Leap, awesome vistas, and impressive folded rocks.
Up Creek and Down with Bruce Wagner
Sunday, February 5, 10 am
Meet at Valley Green Inn. A delightful visit to the Wissahickon Valley in Winter. Leaves will have fallen and we will have the privilege of looking deep into the woods and see the nature of the terrain. We will be able to see to the top of the eastern ridge and down to the Creek. We’ll pass four bridges and examine their separate beauties. Walking through the woods includes hilly trails with sometimes rough surfaces. Return along Forbidden Drive on flat, graveled surface. Distance: 4 miles. Duration: 2 hours. Dress for the weather.
Winding up Winter by Winding Through the Gorge with Scott Quitel
Saturday, March 24, 9 am
Meet at the junction of Hortter Street and Park Line Drive. Duration: 3 hours. Look for early signs of spring as we get a good feel of the Wissahickon Gorge on this rigorous hike. Traversing sections of several different park trails, we pass Climber's Rock, the Fingerspan, a cool cave, Baptismal Pool, Mom Rinker's Rock, Toleration Statue, awesome geology, and a schist barren topped by mountain laurel, blueberry, and craggy chestnut oak.
Unless otherwise noted, walks use rocky rugged trails that may be wet, slippery, or steep. Please wear sturdy, protective shoes or boots and bring water/snacks if desired. Long pants are recommended for protection against occasional poison ivy and possible ticks. Children over six are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Walks are cancelled in the event of heavy rain or snow. Reservations are not required, but are recommended so you can be informed of weather or emergency cancellations. To register, contact Sarah Marley at marley@fow.org or 215-247-0417.
Trail Ambassadors for the Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) are offering free Winter Talks at Cedars House in Wissahickon Valley Park. All lectures last 45 minutes and are FREE to the public. Cedars House is located on Forbidden Drive near Northwestern Ave. in Chestnut Hill. No registration is needed.
17th and 18th Century Mills and Homesteads in the Wissahickon Gorge
Sunday, January 29, 2 pm
A presentation by Trail Ambassador Sarah West on the homesteads once found in the Wissahickon Valley, many of which were associated with the mill communities along the creek.
Current Stewardship Challenges in the Wissahickon Watershed
Sunday, February 19, 2 pm
Another presentation by Sarah West that explores the Wissahickon Creek from its origin near Montgomeryville Mall to its outlet at the Schuylkill River.
The Valley Through the Year
Sunday, February 26, 2 pm
A presentation by Trail Ambassador Bruce Wagner, offering a photo tour through Wissahickon Valley showing seasonal features and some places that dramatically change from one season to another.
Historical Geology of the Wissahickon Gorge
Sunday, March 25, 2 pm
A presentation by Sarah West that explains the geology of the Wissahickon. If weather is suitable, she will lead a short, easy geology walk along Forbidden Drive between Northwestern Ave. and Bell's Mill Rd.
These programs are suitable for children ten and over accompanied by a responsible adult. Cancelled in the event of hazardous transportation condition