FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Erin Mooney, Publicist
267.788.2196
mooney@fow.org
Friends of the Wissahickon Schedules June Walks in the Park and Talks at Cedars
House
Philadelphia, PA—(June 2015) Enjoy summer in the Wissahickon, when Friends of the
Wissahickon (FOW) Trail Ambassadors are offering free hikes in Wissahickon Valley Park and
free talks at the Cedars House, located at 200 Northwestern Avenue.
Trail Ambassador Walks
Registration is recommended for all hikes so that participants can be informed of weather or
other emergency cancellations. Unless otherwise specified, Trail Ambassador hikes may use
rocky, rugged trails that may be wet and slippery. Wear sturdy shoes or boots with socks. Bring
water and a snack if desired. Unless otherwise noted, children over seven years old are
welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult. Walks are cancelled in heavy rain. For more
information or to register, contact Sarah Marley at marley@fow.org. For updates, go to
www.fow.org.
Wissahickon Walkers with Kris Soffa
Wednesdays, June 5 to September 16, 9 a.m.
Meet at The Cedar's House Cafe located at the north end of Forbidden Drive at Northwestern
Ave and Andorra Road.
Join us every Wednesday for a brisk-paced two- mile walk on Forbidden Drive from The Cedars
House Cafe to the Covered Bridge and back. Learn fitness walking tips about posture,
stretching, fitness poles, weight vests, etc. Suitable for adults. No pets please. If raining, walk is
canceled.
Varied Terrains of the Wissahickon with Scott Quitel
Thursday, June 11, 6 p.m.
Meet at Forbidden Drive and Bells Mill Road.
Starting from our meeting spot, at the base of the valley, we’ll head up the forested gorge to
the open natural area known as Houston Meadow. Why is this spot dominated by meadow
vegetation rather than large trees? Nearby, discover where a suspension bridge from
Roxborough across the gorge to Chestnut Hill was planned but never built. Head down along
Cathedral Run, across the Wissahickon, up the other side of the gorge, and to a schist barren,
upon which Tedyuscung peers across the gorge. On the way back, pass a bubbling cascade that
looks like a mountain stream. This walk is a brisk pace.
Saturday, June 20, History Walk on the Lower Wissahickon with Sarah West, 3 p.m. to 4:45
p.m.
Meet at the small parking lot where Forbidden Drive meets Lincoln Drive, a short distance
downstream from Rittenhouse Town.
This one-mile hike take place along lower Forbidden Drive on level ground as far as the Walnut
Lane Bridge. We’ll look at two historical sites connected to the Revolutionary War era including
the Henry Rittenhouse mill foundation. We’ll see the Blue Stone Bridge that in 1896 replaced
one of five former covered bridges across the creek. We’ll see the foundation of the Lotus Inn,
one of the last of the Wissahickon road houses and discuss the history of the Wissahickon
Turnpike and Forbidden Drive. And we’ll talk about the construction of the Walnut Lane bridge
(1906-08) which at that time was the longest concrete structure in the world.
Sunday, June 21, Explore the Woods and Andorra Meadow with Kimberly Quinn, 12 p.m. to 2
p.m.
Meet at Cedars House, Northwestern Ave and Forbidden Drive.
This three-mile hike covers the Andorra Meadow from Cedars House and then circle around to
Bells Mill Road and return to Cedars House. Learn about the former Andorra Nursery and visit
the Wissahickon Environmental Center– the Tree House. See “The Great Beech” and “Fallen
Magnolia.” This is a moderate level hike. Please wear good sneakers or hiking boots. Children
over 8 years old are welcome with a responsible adult.
Sunday, June 28: Meanderings in the Wissahickon: with Shelly Brick , 11 a.m.
Meet at intersection of Wayne Ave. and Allen’s Lane.
Enjoy our park, meet new folks and “talk story.” The path is more than the destination. Pace
will be set by the group and remember water and wear sturdy shoes. All ages are welcome.
About Friends of the Wissahickon
Founded in 1924, FOW is a 1,600-member nonprofit organization and works in partnership with
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to restore historical park structures, eliminate invasive plant
species, monitor watershed management issues, and restore trails throughout the Wissahickon
Park. Follow FOW on Facebook and Twitter. For more information or to become a member, visit
www.fow.org
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