Wild Outdoor Adventures

MONTHLY FULL MOON NIGHT HIKE -
BOXER'S TRAIL & EAST FAIRMOUNT PARK
(8.5 Miles +/- | 550 Feet Elevation)

Join us for our monthly full-moon night hike!

DESCRIPTION
There's a certain magic about hiking at night, especially with a full moon to help light the way! In November we will use the light of the moon to hike along the famous, but underused, Boxer's Trail and wind our way through the idyllic fields and mansions of East Fairmount Park in Philadelphia.

Along the way we'll pass by numerous historical locations including several of the famous mansions that line the park and from the top of Lemon Hill catch what I think it's the second best shot of Philadelphia's skyline. Additionally, putting aside the sound of traffic from roads like Kelly Drive, this hike offers us a chance to enjoy nothing by solid, woodsy outdoor trails and smooth paved roads and sidewalk while hiking within the city limits the entire time. Not a hard hike, but definitely a good workout nonetheless. We'll also swing by the Strawberry Mansion Bridge towards the end to maximize distance as well as get some cool photos and admire the bridge's stunning architecture.

Once we finish the hike we can tailgate for a bit - I'll bring some beers, wine, snacks, and a possibly a fire pit.

NOTES | CONDITIONS

• This hike involves using trails that are overgrown at times, but it's safe and it won't be like that the entire time. This is meant for people in decent/average shape able to cover the distance, tackle the elevation, and do so in the time allotted.
• This hike also entails a short drop off of a three foot stone wall, about ten minutes of walking on active railroad tracks (it's freight - aka SLOW trains - I don't ever walk passenger lines used by Amtrak or SEPTA - that's a death wish) as well as some rock scrambling, bushwhacking, etc.
• PLEASE NOTE - While in the city limits, this is not a "city" hike. The first half of the hike features trails that are littered with rocks, twigs, tree roots, etc. Plus, if it's been raining trails may be slippery, muddy, wet.

BASIC INFO

• DAY & DATE: Friday November 15th
• START TIME: 7:00PM (AND WE START ON TIME!)
• STARTING LOCATION: Laurel Hill Mansion
• ADDRESS: 3487 Edgley Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19121
• LENGTH: 8.5 Miles +/- (8.5 is target)
• ELEVATION: 550 Feet +/- (550 is target)
• SPEED: 3.0 Mph average
• END TIME: 10 to 10:15 PM - done hiking

GEAR:

• Hiking boots/shoes (sneakers may be get dirtymuddy/wet on this)
• Water
• Snacks
• Appropriate clothing - hats, rain jackets, etc. as needed
• A change of clothes for after (at your discretion)
• Headlamps. We try not to use them unless absolutely necessary. The point is to hike using the light of the moon once the sun has set.
• WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND buying a headlamp with a NON-WHITE color (red, blue, green are best) with at least 2,5000 lumens on the non-white color. This helps keep your night vision and prevents you from blinding others when you use it. Reach out to me if want suggestions.
• I also advise people bring hiking bags to keep you hands free and prep for hikes with rock scrambling
• Food/Drinks for tailgating afterwards
• Beer or other drink for before the hike.

PARKING

• Plenty of free parking along Edgley Drive and around the park.
• I'll post a comment and a photo with a map pin once I arrive.
• DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN or anything visible in your car

BATHROOMS & BREAKS

• Unfortunately there are no bathrooms anywhere on this hike, but there's woods everywhere so mother nature is your restroom tonight!
• We'll take a few short breaks here and there to let folks catch up, grab some water, adjust gear, etc. and we'll take a 10 minute break near the Philadelphia Museum of Art as well as two or three short breaks so we can get some good photos of the skyline and river.

AFTERWARDS

• The plan is to hike, with a few short (1-2 minute) breaks here and there and one 10 minute break, so we'll be hiking most of the three hours. Once the hike is over we can tailgate in the park by our cars.
• I'll bring some snacks, drinks, and a maybe a fire pit. If it's a little drizzly I will also bring two big 10x10 canopies we can chill under
• Feel free to bring some snacks/drinks, a camping chair, and if you want to pitch in $5 for firewood, drinks, snacks, I won't say no.

CANCELLATIONS

• I do not cancel hikes for inclement weather. It must be guaranteed thunderstorms (in open terrain), enough snow/ice to make getting to/from a hike dangerous, etc. If I ever do need to cancel or postpone a hike I try to do so as early as possible.
• You may cancel at anytime up to and including the start time of the hike. Cancellations without contacting me after the start of an event counts as a no-show. More than 3 no-shows gets you removed from the group. If something happens, I get it, reach out and just tell me after. I've been there - hungover, busy, etc. Just be polite, and brief, if you forget to cancel.

PARKING FEE!!!
LONG|TOUGH HIKE
13 Miles & 1,300 Feet Elevation

YOU MUST EMAIL/MESSAGE (meetup or [email protected]) if you've not done a hard/difficult hike with me to discuss before I approve.

Located along the New Jersey side of the Hudson river just north of New York City, Palisades Interstate Park offers a challenging workout, spectacular views, and a rock scramble fit for an emperor! This 13 mile hike featuring amazing views of the Hudson River, and on a clear day, New York City in the far distance, from both high and from river level will challenge your stamina and leave you breathless, but in a good way!

The first half of the hike features amazing views of Westchester County NY and the Hudson River from on high, on top of the Palisade rock formations that the river eats through slowly, year after year, over millions of years. Eventually we will wind our way down to river level and about 60% of the way through the hike we will stop at a nice little park, hopefully benches will be available, to rest, eat, and refresh. Then the fun begins!

The second half of the hike features the famous "Giant's Stairs" - a mostly horizontal (but sometimes upward) over massive and tiny boulders/rocks that will test your hand/eye coordination and get your blood pumping. While not as challenging as other rock scrambles we do regularly, it's not for the faint of heart or those who aren't active! Upon reaching the end of the scramble it's almost vertical ascent up easy, but steep, trails back up to the top of the ridge line and a few more spots for amazing pictures of the river and valley below, as we make our way back to our cars.

BASIC INFO

• DAY & DATE: Sunday November 17th
• START TIME: 10:00 AM (AND WE START ON TIME!)
• LOCATION: State Line Lookout, Palisades Interstate Park Commission
• ADDRESS: State Line Lookout, Closter, NJ 07624
• There is a small parking fee per car (payable by app/credit card there)
• LENGTH: 13 Miles
• ELEVATION: 1,300Feet
• END TIME: 4:30-5:00 PM (hike done)

GEAR:

• Hiking boots. I recommend using a pair that balance out foot/ankle protection and lightweight design to make rock scrambles easier
• Water
• Appropriate clothing
• A change of clothes for after (your discretion)
• I also advise people bring hiking bags. You NEED your hands free for rock scrambling.
• Snacks (as you see fit)/lunch for our break

AFTERWARDS

• We will head to a brewery in nearby Westwood for some drinks. They don't serve food, but you can order from any nearby restaurant and have it delivered or pick it up. I'll have suggestions the day of the hike. Everyone's welcome.

CANCELLATIONS

• I do not cancel hikes for inclement weather. It must be dangerous conditions and/or dangerous travel. If I do need to cancel or postpone I do so as early as possible.
• You may cancel at anytime up to and including the start time of the hike. Cancellations without contacting me after the start of an event counts as a no-show. More than 3 no-shows gets you removed from the group.

WEEKLY HIKE - LOWER WISSAHICKON
(6.55 Miles | 750 +/- Feet of Elevation)

Join us for our weekly, weekday evening hike.

Back to the woods this week as we hike the "Lower" or southern stretch of Wissahickon Park in Philadelphia. We will cover about between six and half miles and get about seven hundred feet of elevation on this hike. Along the way we will see some famous landmarks scattered throughout this stretch of the park including the Hermit's Cave, Lover's Leap, and Rittenhouse Town all while getting in a great workout. In addition there will be one or two short rock scrambles the famous 100 stairs staircase, and lots of obstacles to test your mobility. This is an excellent hike to bring a backpack with some extra weight in it for some additional conditioning. Our total distance will depend on our pace for if we can set a good pace we can add in some extra mileage, including some light/easy rock scrambling.

TERRAIN | CONDITIONS | SPECIAL NOTES

• LENGTH: 6 to 7 Miles (6.55 is target)
• ELEVATION: 750 Feet +/- (758 is target)
• SPEED: 3 mph average
• PEOPLE CONSIDER ME A FAST, BUT NOT INSANE HIKER - ESPECIALLY ON FLAT GROUND. If you're unfamiliar with your average walking speed, go to a gym and use a treadmill or time yourself outside. 2.5 to 3 mph would be our average on medium, slightly elevated ground, 3 to 3.5 mph is our average on flat, terrain.
• Typical "woodsy" or "outdoorsy" obstacles on this hike including rock and tree root infested trails, small rock scrambles, plenty of elevation, sharp cliffs, and plenty of places to trip and fall if you're not paying attention.

BASIC INFO

• DAY & DATE: Wednesday November 20th
• START TIME: 6:30PM (AND WE START ON TIME!)
• STARTING LOCATION: Bluebell Park Field
• ADDRESS: 800 W Walnut Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19128
• LENGTH: 6 to 7 Miles (6.55 is target)
• ELEVATION: 750 Feet =/- (758 is target)
• SPEED: 3 mph average
• END TIME: Target is 9pm.

GEAR:

• Hiking boots/shoes (sneakers may be getting on this)
• Water
• Appropriate clothing - hats, rain jackets, etc. as needed
• A change of clothes for after (at your discretion)
• Headlamps
• WE STRONGLY ADVISE purchasing a 1,500 lumen or more NON-WHITE color headlamp (blue, gree, red are the best colors) if you want to be a regular. Email or message me for recommendations if you're not sure what to buy!
• I also advise people bring hiking bags - either to help store stuff to keep you hands free and/or to help get you accustomed to using one
• Phone or camera
• Snacks (as you see fit)
• Beer or other drink for before the hike.

PARKING

• DO NOT PARK IN THE PARKING LOT!!! Park outside of the park along Walnut Lane
• Free parking on the street
• DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES or anything visible in your car.

AFTERWARDS

• Afterwards we will head to a place nearby in Roxborough/Manayunk/East Falls for food/drinks. Everyone is welcome to attend!

CANCELLATIONS

• I do not cancel hikes for inclement weather. It must be dangerous conditions during the hike or dangerous travel conditions to/from for me to cancel. If I ever do need to cancel or postpone I try to do so as early as possible.
• You may cancel at anytime up to and including the start time of the hike. Cancellations without contacting me after the start of an event counts as a no-show. More than 3 no-shows gets you removed from the group. If something happens, I get it, reach out and just tell me after. I've been there - hungover, busy, etc. Just be polite, and brief, if you miss and forget to cancel.

WEEKLY HIKE - MANAYUNK STAIRCASE CHALLENGE

• Pre-Thanksgiving post hike firepit
  (6.5 Miles | 1,050 Feet of Elevation)

DESCRIPTION - NEW ROUTE!!!
Join us for our weekly, weekday evening hike.

Most people would not believe you could get 1,100 feet in elevation in a city as flat as Philadelphia unless you ran up and down the same hill in the Wissahickon 10 times or climbed to the top of one of the city's famous skyscrapers step by step. Well, you can - hint....steps! There are 16 staircases that connect the neighborhoods of Manayunk and Roxborough and on this hike, one a month, we climb them all. Okay 12 are really the famous stairs, four of them are my own finding. But who cares! This is a chance to work on your cardio, check out a cool part of the city, and get an awesome workout in outside. While we will wait for everyone at the top of each staircase, this isn't a hike for people that aren't active and aren't willing to do the cardio work! And just for fun towards the end we will climb up Lyceum Avenue, known locally as "The Manayunk Wall" - one of the steepest streets in the city and made famous the by old, now defunct pro cycling championship that once called the city home.

TERRAIN | OBSTACLES | PACE

• PLEASE NOTE - This is a city hike. There are broken sidewalks, tree roots, staircases, and other places to trip and fall. A few of the staircases have seen better days so please be careful though I always try to point out the danger spots. There are also plenty of street crossings and walking along streets with no sidewalks so you need to be aware of traffic - vehicular, pedestrian, cyclists, etc.
• LENGTH: 7.5 Miles (7.5 is target)
• ELEVATION: 1,000 Feet+ (1,100 is target)
• SPEED: 3 mph average
• We always wait at the top of each staircase for a minute or two for people to catch their breath before moving on.

BASIC INFO

• DAY & DATE: Wednesday November 27th
• START TIME: 6:30PM (AND WE START ON TIME!)
• STARTING LOCATION: REGAL UA MAIN STREET
• ADDRESS: 3720 Main St, Manayunk, PA 19127
• LENGTH: 6.5 Miles +/- (6.5 is target)
• ELEVATION: 1,050 Feet+ (1,050 is target)
• SPEED: 3 mph average
• END TIME: Target is 9pm.

GEAR:

• Hiking boots/shoes (sneakers okay too)
• Water
• Appropriate clothing - hats, rain jackets, etc. as needed
• A change of clothes for after (at your discretion)
• Headlamps not necessary for this
• Phone | Car/House Keys | Wallet (as needed)
• Snacks (as you see fit)
• Beer or other drink for before the hike.

PARKING

• We will gather in the parking lot away from the stores/shops near the Pencoyd Bridge
• Free parking
• DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN or anything visible in your car.
• I'll post a comment and/or upload a photo with map pin when I arrive

BATHROOMS/BREAKS

• As with every weeknight hike, no long breaks on this. Just a bunch of short one to two minute breaks at the top of each staircase for water and breath catching
• Bathrooms available only at the starting/end point

AFTERWARDS

• Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, everyone is welcome back to my house after the hike for some beer, snacks, and a firepit. I live less than a ten minute drive away in East Falls, with easy access to I-76 and Kelly Drive for returning home later.

CANCELLATIONS

• I do not cancel hikes for inclement weather. It must be dangerous conditions during the hike or dangerous travel conditions to/from for me to cancel. If I ever do need to cancel or postpone I try to do so as early as possible.
• You may cancel at anytime up to and including the start time of the hike. Cancellations without contacting me after the start of an event counts as a no-show. More than 3 no-shows gets you removed from the group. If something happens, I get it, reach out and just tell me after. I've been there - hungover, busy, etc. Just be polite, and brief, if you miss and forget to cancel.