Hello readers!
Due to the corona virus, many of us are strongly advised to stay away from big crowds. However, more and more people are beginning to take advantage of nature as shops and restaurants, alike, begin to shut their doors. I have begun to notice this trend recently with the sudden influx of people at hiking trails, biking paths, and just outdoors in general.
For me, school is off for two weeks, without virtual schooling. This leaves a lot of time to ponder the house and, potentially, get bored. To avoid this, I have been baking and cooking, more than usual. I recently made a delicious sour dough bread which you can find here!
Because of my influx of free time and increased hiking, I have had the oppertunity to enjoy many new trials and explore more than usual. This trail specifically, Forbidden Drive, is located near Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia. It spans about 7 miles along the scenic Wissahickon Creek and is lined by hills with many trees. On the trail you can find families, runners, bikers, horseback riders, dog walkers, and just about anyone with a friendly face.
If you enter at West Northwestern Avenue, you will find a cute cafe, The Cedars House, where you can grab a beverage or a snack. Further along the trail lies the Valley Green Inn. The dinning here is a little nicer for the average hiker, but serves delicious American food in its historic white building. At this spot, there are also public bathrooms available to anyone.
The highlight of Fairmount Park, which I have never had the chance to see before, is the Statue of Tedyuscung. The statue, made of stone, was sculpted by John Massey Rhind and commissioned by the wealthy Chestnut Hill family Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Henry in the early 1900s. This piece of art stands at 15 feet tall on a small cliff overlooking the trails. It is the third statue to stand there as it predecessors were a wooden statue commemorating the Lenni Lenape and an advertisement of the silhouette of a Native American, respectively.
Funny enough, we got very lost. We started near the red barn covered bridge and ended up walking too far, forcing us to turn back. However, I was able to snap a quick picture of this beautiful wooden door that led to a private garden of sorts before leaving.
The hike to the statue was fairly pleasant. I was able to complete it with my dog who constantly pulled me every second. However, the trail is very rocky so I suggest wearing sturdy sneaker or hiking shoes. On the trail, I passed a few people with little kids so I think it would be a great option for families, but make sure to stop for water and snack breaks along the way.
The hike itself is very scenic, as trees surround the path which is placed halfway up the hill. The ledge may be a little steep at times, so make sure to stay together.
Upon entering the statue’s location you will have to walk down a series of stone steeps, which will take you to face the back of the figure. This spot is on a steep ledge, so make sure you keep an eye on everyone. Snap a pic here and enjoy the view!
If you want a have a look at the the front of the statue, feel free to journey below. It is a little steep and may be muddy, so be prepared to find branches to hold onto.
At the bottom, we were able to climb this enormous rock for a better view. It is a challenge but if your up for it, it is one hundred percent worth it!
Fair warning, from this spot, it may be easier to climb back up to the top near the statue and travel down on the trail. We decided to walk down the rest of the hill from here which was a bad decision on our part. The path was much more steeper than it looked and the muddy ground was very slippery. By the end of it, our group had one fall and all of our ankles were exhausted from the strain. Hiking shoes would no doubt be the best choice for this part!
At the end, we traveled back to the main trail and came out next to a bridge.
Overall the hike to the statue was amazing and I would absolutely recommend this to all of you! The place was incredibly beautiful and we had such a fun time. If you find yourself needing a little exercise or have the time to spare, check out the Statue of Tedyuscung at Forbidden Drive!
Safe travels,
Ella Sanders
The Traveling Wanderer 