BLACK FRIDAY - TURKEY BURNER HIKE + SECRET STAIRS INTO MORDOR

BLACK FRIDAY - TURKEY BURNER HIKE
(7.65 Miles | 625 +/- Feet of Elevation)

Join us for a special late afternoon hike on Black Friday to work off some of those Thanksgiving calories!

From my house in the East Falls Neighborhood of Philadelphia we'll cover approximately 7.65 miles and climb around 650 feet worth of elevation on this hike. We'll head down to Kelly Drive and cross the iconic East Falls bridge, heading north pick up the first of two trails in West Fairmount Park. In the park we'll see the famous Trolley Bridge, one of the last remnants of the old trolley system that ran through East and West Fairmount park in the first half of the twentieth century. Crossing the gorgeous and architecturally stunning Strawberry Mansion Bridge, we'll head down to Kelly Drive via the secret stairs into Mordor. Up Keely Drive we'll head up Schoolhouse Lane past Wissahickon Brewery and through part of the campus of Jefferson University, formerly Philadelphia University (and originally known as the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science). We'll wind our way a bit through East Falls including past a beautiful home where a princess lived, before making our way back to my house.

Afterwards, people can freshen up and meet folks for a night of dancing and merriment - location tbd.

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: 3:00PM (AND WE START ON TIME!)
• STARTING LOCATION: East Falls
• ADDRESS: Specific address will be sent in logistics email the day before
• LENGTH: 7.65 Miles +/- (7.65is target)
• ELEVATION: 625 Feet =/- (625is target)
• SPEED: 3 mph average
• END TIME: Target is 6 pm.

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 not necessary but okay to bring - we should be on or close to city streets by sunset
• 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

• Parking instructions will be sent in the logistics email sent a day or two before the hike.

AFTERWARDS

• Afterwards folks can go home and freshen up (or stay at my place and do so) and we'll head out for some dancing and merriment.

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.