As one of America’s oldest urban parks, Fairmount Park has accumulated many layers of history… sometimes literally! A closer exploration of the landscape reveals the ruins of abandoned infrastructure and buildings that go back to the beginnings of the 178 year old park system, and sometimes even further. Most of the year, nature cloaks these hidden treasures in dense growth, but the bare woods of the winter provide the perfect time to go off the beaten path.
Join veteran hike leader Brad Maule and Public Programs Coordinator John Sigmund — both park history enthusiasts, for a guided exploration of the relics and ruins of Fairmount Park (& the Wissahickon). If you’re fascinated by Philly history and discovering hidden treasures of park past, this hike is not to be missed!
PLEASE NOTE: this hike will have some challenging sections that require agility. Because we will occasionally venture off trail, you are encouraged to wear sturdy hiking boots and rugged outerwear that can withstand scrapes from sharp sticks and branches (please… no fashion or formal wear! Haha).
2022 RELICS & RUINS SERIES
2/26-Relics & Ruins, Part I: Weird Wonders of West Park
We’ll start at Belmont Plateau and touch upon a section the Trolley Trail. Next we’ll find the hidden remnants of the rails tracks of the Philadelphia Columbia Railroad. Finally, we’ll explore the ruins of the George’s Hill Reservoir, taking in one of the most secret and spectacular city views.
Meet at the Belmont Plateau parking lot
3/13: Relics & Ruins, Part II: Something's Amiss in the Wiss
Haunting historic highlights include: a subway that was never built, the oldest paper mill in America, an ancient roman sarcophagus and a cave used by mystic monks.
Meet at the "Hermit Lane Trailhead" by the Friends of Wissahickon kiosk
3/27-Relics & Ruins, Part III: Eeire East Park
Haunting historic highlights include: an abandoned music pavilion designed by architect of the Gilded Age Horace Trumbauer, the smallest surviving structure designed by Frank Furness, two forgotten spring heads and a spooky springhouse popular in neighborhood lore, a WPA built bathroom, and the hidden ruins of a colonial-era mansion that burnt down 36 years ago.
Meet at Woodford Mansion
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. ]
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: If Philadelphia’s parks make a difference in your life – consider becoming a member of Fairmount Park Conservancy and help ensure that Philadelphia’s parks are enhanced for generations to come. PLUS members register first for events and enjoy discounts on park experiences including Treetop Quest, Shofuso and more!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Please dress according to weather conditions.
- Please wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking
- There are nearby bathrooms along the hike route
- Appropriate for adults & mature adolescents (minors must be ticketed and accompanied by a guardian)
- The hike leaves promptly at the scheduled time. Latecomers may not be able to join the group
PARKING: there is plenty of free parking in the park. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car!
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: By registering for this event you are agreeing to follow ALL of these protocols:
-This event has limited capacity. Please only register if you fully intend to attend and let us know if you need to cancel ASAP.
-Participants must maintain 6 feet of distance from one another during the event.
-Please bring a mask. We encourage you to wear it if you're in proximity to others.
-If you or anyone in your household are exhibiting COVID-19 systems, please stay home.
POSTPONEMENT / CANCELLATION POLICY: This event will take place in light rain or snow. In the event of heavy rain, snow, or other severe conditions, the event will be cancelled and attendees are eligible for a full refund.
GUIDE BIO: Brad Maule has led hikes for Fairmount Park Conservancy since 2014. In 2015 at the Fairmount Water Works, he exhibited One Man’s Trash, a yearlong collection of trash and its associated data from the Wissahickon Valley Park. With a background in photography, he’s worked with Friends of the Wissahickon, Mt Airy CDC, Chestnut Hill Conservancy, and Hidden City Philadelphia. Parks have been central to his entire existence on this planet, from his hometown Tyrone, PA to Portland, Oregon to Mt Airy, where he’s lived with his cat since 2013.