Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and ecotherapist Krista Nelson for a two-mile guided hike followed by a meditation to help you rekindle your love of nature in the midst of summer. Find strength and companionship in a community of fellow nature lovers. Krista’s popular program ‘Nature as Lover’ facilitates healing through five natural elements: fire, water, air, earth, and space.

We will hike for about two miles on the Trolley Trail, stopping to listen and closely observe the natural surroundings. Our journey will lead us to several creeks, where we will spread out in seated positions at the water’s edge, and collectively meditate accompanied by the reassuring rhythmic sounds of the flowing water. We will join in with the sound of the creek with our own spontaneous humming and whistling and in this way, show our love for the water. Krista calls this practice of listening to water and reciprocating with sound, “Creek Drinking” (not literally of course!).

This event will connect you to nature and develop your meditative practice. It will help you find your breath in tune with the creek’s flow so you can let troublesome thoughts wash away downstream.

This hike is part of our Second Saturday Guided Hike Series. These hikes occur from 10 AM–12 PM on the second Saturday of every month (May–November). All of these hikes depart from Belmont Plateau in West Fairmount Park. Please see below for the full schedule.

 2025 SECOND SATURDAY GUIDED HIKE SERIES SCHEDULE
Please continue to check back as fall topics will be added soon.

May 10: Hiking 101 with the Appalachian Mountain Club

June 14: Birdwatching Walk with Troy Bynum

July 12: Tree Tour with Andrew Kirkpatrick

August 9: Guided Hike + Meditation with Krista Nelson

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• This hike is roughly two miles over a combination of hilly dirt trails and flat gravel paths.
• Hikes are appropriate for adults and mature adolescents.
• 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.
• This event is part of our Second Saturday Guided Hike Series. The hikes are not dependent on one another so feel free to sign up for one or for more than one!
• 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.
• Space is limited in this hike and registration is required. If you cannot attend an event, please show courtesy to fellow parkgoers and try to cancel your registration with advance notice so that someone else can participate. Repeat no-shows may not be able to register for future free hikes.

PARKING/GETTING THERE: We’ll meet at the parking lot across from Belmont Mansion, overlooking the city skyline. There is plenty of free parking available in the lot. As always, never leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit, the nearest stop is at Belmont Ave and Belmont Mansion/Fairmount Park Drive – a half-mile walk from the start. The closest Indego bike station is at Parkside and Belmont Ave – also a half-mile walk from the start.

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

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