Spanning 2,050 acres, Fairmount Park is the largest park in Philadelphia. There’s a lot to explore, so we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ways to enjoy Fairmount Park this Fall.
1. Join the Fairmount Park Scavenger Hunt
After a three-year pandemic hiatus, we’re thrilled to announce the return of our one day, in-person Fairmount Park Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, 9/24! Discover hidden gems of Fairmount Park, compete for prizes, and celebrate postgame at the Cosmic Cafe’s Ciderhouse.
Saturday 9/24 | 10:00AM – 2:00PM
2. Run like Rocky
The Boxers’ Trail is like no other. It twists through forests and meadows, up hills and along shady creeks; passes historic mansions and vibrant playgrounds. This East Fairmount Park trail was a favorite of Joe Frazier and many other boxing greats. The 11th annual Boxers’ Trail 5K returns Saturday, September 17, with race proceeds supporting youth programming at Mander Playground in Strawberry Mansion.
Saturday, 9/17 | 9:30AM start time
3. Hike the path of history
There’s so much history in Fairmount Park, and we’ve got some great options to learn more with a walking guide:
Learn about the past, present, and future of Historic Strawberry Mansion and nearby East Park on a walking tour led by longtime resident, historian, and community organizer Judith Robinson (pay-what-you can):
Sunday, 9/18 | 10:00AM – 12:30PM
Explore the physical remains of what is now a hidden trolley network with massive stone tunnels and bridge abutments along a 4-mile guided loop hike of the Trolley Trail (pay-what-you-can):
Saturday, 9/24 | 10:00AM – 12:30PM
Join us for a special walk in honor of William Still, “Father of the Underground Railroad.” This FREE 3.5-mile loop walk, led by UGR3DAY, will stop along several places of historical significance, some with connections to the Underground Railroad.
Saturday, October 8 | 9:00AM – 1:00PM
4. Raise a glass
It wouldn’t be fall without some festive beverages!
Celebrate Applefest at Woodford Mansion with cider making, apple tasting, pumpkin painting, cornhole and other lawn games, as well as tours of the first floor of the Mansion. This event is FREE, and all are welcome to stop by this family-friendly event to celebrate the start of the harvest season.
Saturday, 9/17 | 9:30AM – 2:00PM
Join Brad Maule, hike leader extraordinaire and beer lover, for our final Trails to Ales outing of the season – a hike along the Trolley Trail that ends at the Black Squirrel Pub.
Saturday, 10/1 | 4:00 – 7:00PM
Ciderfest returns on October 15th and 16th, featuring samplings of hard ciders from several area cideries, tours of the Mansion, lawn games, arts and craft vendors, and live music. This year’s event is dedicated to raising matching funds for Woodford’s Interior Renovations Project. Click here for ticket information.
5. Celebrate West Park Harvest Fest
Join us for a FREE community-based harvest festival celebrating health, healing, and pedestrian improvements safely connecting Parkside to West Park! This event, presented in partnership with Get Fresh Daily, will include healthy food vendors, wellness and nature oriented activities, pumpkin decorating, and entertainment for the whole family.
Sunday, 10/23 | 12:00 – 5:00PM
6. Find your peaceful place in the greenspace
There’s no better way to connect with your practice and with other people than outdoor yoga. Sign up for one of our outdoor yoga classes in the park to start your day with serenity.
Sunrise Hike & Yoga with Cole (pay-what-you-can):
Tuesday, 9/20 | 7:00 – 8:15AM | Trolley and Belmont Trails
Tuesday, 10/4 | 8:00 – 9:15AM | Belmont Plateau and Trails
Tuesday, 10/11 | 8:00 – 9:15AM | Boxer’s Trail
Yoga in the Park with Tula Yoga (pay-what-you-can):
Sunday, 9/18 | 10:00 – 11:00AM
Sunday, 9/25 | 10:00 – 11:00AM
Sunday, 10/2 | 10:00 – 11:00AM
Sunday, 10/9 | 10:00 – 11:00AM
Sunday, 10/16 | 10:00 – 11:00AM
Sunday, 10/23 | 10:00 – 11:00AM
Sunday, 10/30 | 10:00 – 11:00AM
Sound Healing Meditation on Trolley Trail (pay-what-you-can):
Sunday, 10/2 | 8:30 – 9:30AM
Sunday, 10/16 | 8:30 – 9:30AM
7. Kayak on the Schuylkill
Kayaking on the Schuylkill River offers a whole new perspective on our city and its water source. We’re excited to partner with Hidden River Outfitters to offer a sunset kayak tour departing from the Walnut Street dock, with spectacular views of the Art Museum and the city skyline (pay-what-you-can):
Thursday, 9/22 | 5:30 – 7:15PM
8. Stargaze at Lemon Hill
Join astronomy educator Buddy Muhler and stargazers of all ages at Lemon Hill to learn about the wonders of the night sky. A high powered telescope will be available to share, but attendees are also encouraged to bring their own equipment. We’ll gaze at planets and the crescent moon – the best phase for seeing its textured surface (pay-what-you-can):
Tuesday, 10/4 | 7:00 – 9:00PM
Tuesday, 11/1 | 6:30 – 8:30PM
9. Take a walk in the park
Did you know that the Conservancy’s We Walk PHL program, in partnership with the Departments of Public Health and Parks & Recreation, is currently offering 18 places to take a walk in the park? The Fall 2022 season, which runs 9/1 through 10/31, provides opportunities to join FREE weekly walks with the goal of promoting the healthy benefits of walking in nature while building stronger relationships among neighbors.
The East Fairmount Park Discovery Center group meets at the Discovery Center parking lot on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:00PM.
The East Fairmount Park Kelly Drive group meets at the Cosmic Cafe on Fridays at 5:30PM.
The West Fairmount Park group meets at Concourse Lake on Sundays at 2:00pm. This walk is ADA accessible and great for beginners.
10. Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back to our parks, and with 2,050 acres, there’s a lot to maintain at Fairmount Park!
Join us for our weekly volunteer workdays to help with removing invasive species, weeding, trash pick-up, trail maintenance, and more:
Parkside Evans
Tuesdays | 9:30 – 11:30AM | through September 27th
Wynnefield
Thursdays | 5:30 – 7:30PM | through October 13th
Plus, save the date for Love Your Park Fall Service Day on Saturday, November 12! Join Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy to help prepare Philly’s parks for winter. Volunteer registration for Fall Service Day opens October 12 at loveyourpark.org.
For Fairmount Park updates and up-to-date info about our upcoming events, sign up for our newsletter.
