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SUMMARY:Walking in William Still’s Steps: Hike + Community Conversation
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a hike in West Fairmount Park that explores the history of the Underground Railroad in Philadelphia.\n\nDate\nSaturday\, October 3 \n\n\n\nTime\n10:00 am – 2:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation\nSheep Barn \nChamounix Drive\nPhiladelphia PA 19131 \n\n\n\nJoin Fairmount Park Conservancy and UGR3DAY Underground Railroad Experiences\, Inc. on Saturday\, October 3 from 10 AM–2 PM for a 3.5-mile Underground Railroad history hike and talk in West Fairmount Park. \nOn his 205th 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. \nThe 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. \nThe hike will begin at the sheep barn\, located near Ridgeland Mansion\, at 10 AM and will return there for a lunchtime community conversation (optional). 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. \nWe will return to the sheep barn at the end of the hike\, and from 1–2 PM\, there will be light refreshments available (participants are also welcome to bring a bagged lunch) and time to connect and reflect with others about the hike experience. Participants will also be welcome to share out about their hike experience if they wish. \nPreview of the hike route HERE. The 3.5-mile hike will take a little less than three hours to complete with multiple stops along the way. Please note\, this hike takes place mostly on hilly\, single-track dirt trails with rocks and roots (moderate-strenuous exertion). There is also some walking through open parkland and grassy areas. \n*SPECIAL NORTH TO FREEDOM FILM SCREENING*: On the Wednesday before the William Still Walk\, we will be having a virtual showing of the documentary\, North to Freedom. North to Freedom is an original documentary from WSKG Public Television and filmmaker Brian Frey. It features interviews with Conductor Dee Patterson\, who will be leading the William Still Walk. While the documentary primarily examines the important role Upstate New York played in the Underground Railroad\, it also touches on the impact of William Still and provides good context and background ahead of the hike. The film screening is meant to serve as a supplement to the hike but is not required ahead of the walk. Register for the film screening. \nWILLIAM STILL WALK SCHEDULE \n-10 AM-1 PM: Guided hike\n-1-2 PM: Community conversation** (optional) \n**Participants are welcome to stay for the community conversation after the hike. There will be some light snacks/refreshments available during this portion\, and attendees are welcome to bring their own  \nbagged lunch as well (there will be a place to store it during the hike). \nTICKETS: Free\, registration required and donations appreciated* \n*Please note\, there is a limited capacity for this event. Last-minute cancellations and no-shows can take away tickets from others. We ask that you be mindful of this and please only register if you plan to attend. \n\nKNOW BEFORE YOU GO: \n\nThe hike is roughly 3.5 miles in length\, with a combination of open parkland and hilly trails (moderate to strenuous exertion). It will take a little less than three hours to complete.\nAppropriate for adults and families with children ages 10 and up. Minors must be registered and accompanied by an adult.\nPlease dress according to weather conditions and wear good hiking shoes (boots/sneakers).\nPlease bring your own water and snacks (drinking water is not available in the park).\nThere are bathrooms at the start/end of the hike and a couple of porta-potties available along the hike route.\nBring sunscreen and bug spray.\nIf staying for the community conversation after the hike\, we will have light refreshments available. Participants are also welcome to bring a bagged lunch (there will be a place to store it during the hike).\nSpace is limited in this event and registration is required. If you cannot attend an event\, please show courtesy to fellow parkgoers and try to cancel your registration with advance notice so that someone else can participate.\n\n\nPARKING/GETTING THERE: There is a parking lot next to the sheep barn with limited parking. There is additional overflow parking at the Chamounix Drive parking lot across the street. If using this lot\, please enter from the entrance across from the sheep barn\, and a staff person will direct you on where to park. As always\, never leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit\, the nearest stop is at Ford and Cranston Road (a one-mile walk from the start). The nearest Indego bike station is at MLK Drive and Strawberry Mansion Bridge (about one mile away). \n\nQUESTIONS? Please reach out to programs@myphillypark.org
URL:https://gridphilly.com/event/walking-in-william-stills-steps-hike-community-conversation/
LOCATION:Sheep Barn\, Chamounix Drive\, Philadelphia\, 19131
CATEGORIES:Hike,Underground Railroad
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gridphilly.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-21-at-3.00.23-PM.png
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