hiking in the Wissahickon

St. Martins Lane at the intersection of Huron St. Parking is available on St. Martins Lane. Join us as we go in and out of the park borders, following the Cresheim Creek. We will visit the magical French village, see iconic mid-century modern houses, the remains of old mills and a barn, and a mysterious stand of white pines along the way. There is a creek and busy road crossing on this walk. All ages welcome. Distance: 3 miles Level: Difficult (many inclines and declines, uneven surfaces) Registration is required for all hikes so that participants can be informed of

Meet at Blue Bell Park Experience the Wissahickon in January with Andi, Debbie, and Jim. We’ll be able to appreciate the plants that stay green and also the beautiful vistas observable after the leaves fall. And maybe we’ll see and hear the woodpeckers more easily during this winter month. Our 3.5-4 mile hike will bring us to the East Falls trail on the other side of Lincoln Drive where we will visit the site of the McKinney Quarry. Expect some steep rocky climbs and descents. Children 12 years and older are welcome when accompanied by and adult, but please no

Meet at Walnut Lane Golf Club In winter, our senses are amplified by the lack of foliage and sights and sounds of the woods are transformed. Join Debbie, Jim and Andi as we identify some native winter shrubs, spot ghostly sycamores, and listen to the sounds of the creek below. We will certainly spot some woodpeckers working on the hollow trees to find food. Distance is about 4 miles. Children over the age of 12 are welcome, but no dogs unless service dogs please. Hike will have steep hills, hiking boots recommended. Distance: 3.5 miles Level: Difficult (some rocky descents

Meeting at Houston Playground (900 Grakyn Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19128) Are you as excited about the spring as we are? Then come out and join Trail Ambassadors, Melinda Spink and Stephanie Brown, for a walk in the Wissahickon to celebrate the official changeover from winter to spring! You’ll learn facts about the spring equinox and what to expect in the Wissahickon with the new season, as well as enjoy the beautiful variety of Houston Meadow! Distance: 2 miles Level: Moderate (some inclines and declines, uneven surfaces) Registration is required for all hikes so that participants can be informed of weather

Meet at Cedars House Cafe Join Andi, Debbie, and Jim on their first hike of the Spring. There is no place like Wissahickon Valley Park to experience the beauty of this time of year. We’ll note the flora, including which flowers, both native and non-native, are blooming. We’ll appreciate the changes in the birds and other wildlife this season brings. Our approximately 4 mile hike will be in the Andorra Natural Area and the east side of the Wissahickon, north of Bell’s Mill Road. Expect some rough and rocky terrain. Children 12 years of age and older are welcome when

Meet at North Mt. Pleasant Place Trailhead (North Mt. Pleasant Rd. and Wissahickon Ave.) Join Andi, Debbie, and Jim as we explore the Wissahickon in April. Last year the spring ephemerals were in full bloom on our route. Since this winter has been so mild, we moved our hike a week earlier to see if we can catch them blooming again this April. Will we see frogs in the frog pond as we pass the bench and trees dedicated to a beloved trail ambassador? We may see and hear the earliest migrating birds moving back to our area, including phoebes

St. Martins Lane at the intersection of Huron St. Parking is available on St. Martins Lane. Join us as we go in and out of the park borders, following the Cresheim Creek. We will visit the magical French village, see iconic mid-century modern houses, the remains of old mills and a barn, and a mysterious stand of white pines along the way. There is a creek and busy road crossing on this walk. All ages welcome. Distance: 3 miles Level: Difficult (many inclines and declines, uneven surfaces) Registration is required for all hikes so that participants can be informed of