TRAILS to ALES: Guided Hike & Drinks at Parks on Tap

Join Fairmount Park Conservancy’s John Sigmund, Director of Public Programs and park history enthusiast, for a thirsty Thursday guided hike on September 28 from 5–7 PM. This social hike series is a great way to get out on the trails and meet new people over cold drinks at Parks on Tap in Fairmount Park. Parks on Tap is a popular traveling beer garden that visits the city’s various neighborhood parks. Proceeds benefit Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Park Friends Network.

2023 TRAILS TO ALES SERIES: 

Thursday, June 8 from 5:30-7:30 @ Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center – with a special tour inside the gates of Shofuso Japanese House & Garden, followed by a hike into Landsdowne Glen led by Beth Yount, Master Watershed Steward Coordinator with Penn State Extension in Philadelphia. Beth will discuss the ecology of the glen, with a focus on Lansdowne Creek and connected watersheds. John Sigmund will share some historical information about the area, particularly its transformation from an 18th century colonial mansion to the site of one of the most remarkable events in 19th century America: the 1876 Centennial Exposition.

• MEET AT: Across from the entrance to the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center – Lansdowne & Horticultural Drive, Philadelphia PA 19131

Thursday, July 13 from 5:30-8:00 pm @ Belmont Plateau – with a loop hike through the Trolley Trail to see plenty of old bridges, tunnels, and other hidden gems of old train infrastructure that gave the trail its namesake

• MEET AT: Belmont Plateau in front of the parking lot – 1800 Belmont Mansion Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Thursday, August 10 from 6:00-8:00 pm @ Lemon Hill  – with a short hike on the Lemon Hill Trail and a special tour inside Lemon Hill Mansion to see the progress of recent renovations undertaken by the City.

• MEET AT: Driveway entrance/info sign for Lemon Hill Mansion – Lemon Hill Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19130
  

Thursday, September 28 from 5:00-7:00 pm @ Strawberry Mansion Bridge – with a hike on portions of East Park’s Boxer’s Trail and West Park’s Trolley Trail, ending with a stunning sunset view from the iconic Strawberry Mansion Bridge.

• MEET AT: Woodford Mansion – 2300 N 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19132

TICKET PRICES: Pay what you can – $15, $20, or $25
[ Not sure what to pay? Please refer to this Sliding Scale Pricing FAQ for additional info. ]

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Hikes are roughly 2-3 miles over a combination of open parkland and hilly trails (moderate exertion).
• Appropriate for adults and mature adolescents (minors must be ticketed and accompanied by a guardian).
• Please dress according to weather conditions and wear good hiking shoes (boots/sneakers).
• Bring your own water and snack (drinking water is not available in the park).
• There are limited bathrooms (porta-potties) available on the hike route so please plan accordingly.
• Bring bug spray and sunscreen.
• The event officially ends at Parks on Tap and the choice to enter the premises is at the individual discretion of each attendee.

FOR PARKS ON TAP:

• The beer garden is 21+ to enter with valid, government-issued, photo identification
• Children, families, and anyone under 21 are welcome to join as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Parks on Tap is free to event but guests must sign in every visit. Daily sign-in can be found here.

PARKING/GETTING THERE: There is plenty of free parking in the park. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit, the nearest stop is at 33rd and Dauphin Street – a 2-3 minute walk from the start. The nearest Indego bike station is also at 33rd and Dauphin.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to programs@myphillypark.org