Generations Community Connection Hike with Hike+Heal and Photography Without Borders

Meeting at Blue Bell Park (842 W Walnut Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19144)
Join Hike+Heal, Photography Without Borders, and Friends of the Wissahickon for a special hike celebrating the generations that shape us—grandparents, children, and everyone in between. We’ll meander through the Wissahickon taking photos of what inspires us as we reflect on those who came before and the natural spaces that connect us.
Led by Brandi Aulston and her organization, Hike+Heal, this family-friendly hike invites community members and their loved ones to come together in celebration of family. Moving at a relaxed pace, we’ll practice grounding exercises and share moments of reflection. Note: This is not a stroller-friendly hike.
*Be sure to bring a phone or other device to take photos with!*
Parking and Transit: Parking onsite at our meeting location. If you’re taking public transit, our location is accessible via buses 65 and 53, as well as the Chestnut Hill West train line. See map for details.
Bathrooms: There will be bathrooms available to use at Blue Bell Park at the start and end of our hike.
Distance: 2.5 miles. Preview on Komoot.

SCHEDULE:
11:30 AM – Check-In
11:45 AM – Welcome Circle + Warm-up
12:00 PM – Hike
1:45 PM – Closing Circle + Stretch
Brandi Aulston, MHA/MHE and founder of Hike+Heal Wellness LLC, is a wellness entrepreneur extremely dedicated to women’s overall wellness to help eliminate health disparities and increase diversity in the outdoor space for inner city women of color. Since 2019, Hike+Heal has created a safe space for strong community connections for people who desire to prioritize their self-care while connecting together in a powerful and healing way in nature. Hike+Heal was one of nineteen winners of the 2021 Pennsylvania COVID-19 Champion awarded by the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation. Help the hive thrive and donate to Hike + Heal here!
Photography Without Borders (PWB) empowers young people in Philadelphia to tell their stories through the lens of a camera. By combining photography education with mentorship and real-world experience, PWB fosters creativity, confidence, and community among the next generation of visual storytellers. Check out some of the work they’ve done right here in the Wissahickon:

Photo: Benny Martinez

Photo: Trinity Mendez

Photo: Vicky Leach

Registration is required for all hikes so that participants can be informed of weather or other emergency cancellations. Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador Walks may be on rocky, rugged trails that may be wet and slippery. Wear sturdy shoes or boots with socks. Walks are cancelled in heavy rain, extreme heat, muddy conditions, or icy conditions. Service animals are always welcome. For more information contact Marisa Miller at miller@fow.org.
Cover photo courtesy of Stacey Gray
Register below!