I’ve mentioned how I’m working with the Fairmount Park Conservancy for a little, and one of the job perks includes helping out with hikes & yoga. On Halloween, I took a hike led by Brad Maule in the Wissahickon, right in the peak Fall colors. It couldn’t be a more perfect time to appreciate the beauty of Autumn.

(We can reminiscence more as temps are dropping, right?!?)

Let’s get this out there first and foremost: you can easily make it to hike in the Wissahickon within an hour from Center City. With 1800 acres of Wissahickon Valley Park, it extends from Chestnut Hill to Manayunk (7 miles!) You can choose your own adventure in more than 50 miles of trails.

A few Philadelphians don’t even realize you can get TO the Wissahickon by public transit. Simply take the regional rail to a stop like Allen Lane Train Station, where you’ll exit and feel as though you’ve left the city. (Guess what! You haven’t. Technically.)

Once we got into park, we discovered a place full of history, including abandoned buildings and this milestones from 1939.

Once we got into the Wiss, there were moments I totally forgot where I was. Seeing people in the distance through the bright leaves reminded me of how other people did know this secret part of town.

We passed through by the infamous Devil’s Pool…

And had to maneuver carefully around a few of the trails.

Thinking of visiting? There’s several trails to choose from, whether you bike or run from Forbidden Drive or enter from another point.

I mean, what are you waiting for?

Readers, do you hike the Wissahickon? What are your favorite parts?

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher