Walking in William Still’s Steps: Hike + Community Conversation

Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and UGR3DAY Underground Railroad Experiences, Inc. on Saturday, October 5 from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM for a 3.5-mile Underground Railroad history hike and talk in West Fairmount Park.

On his 203rd birthday, we honor the “Father of the Underground Railroad”, William Still (born October 7, 1821), and all those freedom seekers who traversed the lands of present-day Fairmount Park. Join us for a hike through West Fairmount Park in the morning followed by a community conversation in the afternoon.

The 3.5-mile loop hike will visit places of historical significance, some with connections to the Underground Railroad. Stops include Ridgeland Mansion (c. 1762), Boelsen Cottage (c. 1684), Belmont Mansion (c. 1742), and physical remnants of the Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad, which was a means of clandestine conveyance for freedom seekers in the mid-19th century.

The hike will begin at the sheep barn, located near Ridgeland Mansion, at 10:00 AM and will return there for a lunchtime discussion. It will feature immersive experiences led by historic storyteller and “Conductor” Dee Patterson of UGR3DAY Underground Railroad Experiences Inc. and Gilletta “Gigi” McGraw, portraying free Black woman Cornelia Wells.

We will return to the sheep barn at the end of the hike and from 1:00–2:00 PM, there will be a panel discussion and community conversation that participants are invited to stay for (optional). More details on the community conversation to be announced soon.

Preview of the hike route HERE. The hike will take a little less than three hours to complete with multiple stops along the way.

TICKET PRICE: Free, donations appreciated

SCHEDULE

-10:00 AM-12:45 PM: Guided hike
-1:00-3:00 PM: Lunch** + community conversation (optional)

**Participants are welcome to stay for the community conversation after the hike. There will be some snacks and light refreshments available during this portion and you are welcome to bring your own bagged lunch. (Please note, if bringing a bagged lunch, we suggest bringing something that does not need to be refrigerated or heated up. There will be a place to store lunches during the hike.)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
-The hike is roughly 3.5 miles in length, with a combination of open parkland and hilly trails. It will take a little less than three hours to complete.
-Appropriate for adults and families with children ages 10 and up. Minors must be registered and accompanied by an adult.
-Please dress according to weather conditions and wear good hiking shoes (boots/sneakers).
-Please bring your own water and snacks (drinking water is not available in the park).
-There are bathrooms at the start/end of the hike and a couple of porta-potties available along the hike route.
-Bring sunscreen and bug spray.