Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and ecotherapist and Lenape language keeper Krista Nelson on a two-mile hike along the wooded Boxers’ Trail in East Fairmount Park. The summer solstice signifies the longest and lightest day of the year. Dating all the way back to ancient times, the solstice marks a mystical, spiritually-heightened day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Celebrated by many cultures and religions at festivals and ceremonies around the world, it honors a deep sense of devotion to nature, Mother Earth, and the energizing power of the sun.

During this hike, we’ll welcome the longest day of the year by focusing on intentions set in the winter and spring. Those intentions are like seeds in our personal gardens of promise. Planted in the fertile soil of winter’s darkness, they withstood the cold and rooted deep. In the spring, they sprouted to face both the rain and the winds of change. Now is the time to let them shine in the summer light. We’ll stop by Randolf Creek where we can release into the water all that we no longer need, and then with the setting sun, we’ll share a fun tribute to the five major nature elements.

TICKET PRICE: $15

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• This hike is roughly two miles over a combination of hilly and flat dirt trails (easy to moderate exertion).
• Appropriate for adults and families with children ages 14 and up. Minors must be registered and accompanied by an adult.
• Please dress according to weather conditions and wear good hiking shoes (boots/sneakers).
• Bring water (drinking water is not available in the park) and a snack.
• Unfortunately, there are no bathrooms along the hike route so please plan accordingly.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
• We will leave a few minutes after the scheduled start time. Please arrive at the departure location at least five minutes early. We cannot guarantee that latecomers can join after the group has departed.
• Important pre-event information and any event updates are sent out via email. Please make sure the email address entered is correct and that you check it before coming out to the event.

PARKING/GETTING THERE: There is plenty of free parking available in the park. As always, never leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit, the nearest stop is at 33rd and Oxford – about a half-mile walk from the start. The nearest Indego bike station is also at 33rd and Reservoir Drive.

QUESTIONS?: Feel free to reach out to programs@myphillypark.org.

Enjoy our programs? Become a Supporter of Fairmount Park Conservancy to help ensure that Philadelphia’s parks are enhanced for generations to come!