Home > TOURS > The Wonders of the Wissahickon: A Walking Tour along Scenic Forbidden Drive

• Tweet
• Outlook
• ICAL
• PRINT
• Email
• Feedback

• RSS

• Official Website

The Wonders of the Wissahickon: A Walking Tour along Scenic Forbidden Drive

Presented by Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania at Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

October 9, 2010

Comment on Facebook

We will start our guided walking tour at historic Rittenhouse Town, an early industrial community along the banks of the Monoshone Creek and the site of the first paper mill in British North America. From there we will walk about three miles on fairly flat terrain along Forbidden Drive. Ken will share his knowledge of the plants, trees, and geology found in the park as well as the history of the area. The Wissahickon Section of Fairmount Park has a fascinating history from the early days of the Lenni Lenape Indians to recent years and the ongoing efforts to preserve the historic structures and open space along it. We will finish our day with a delicious lunch at the historic Valley Green Inn, which was built in 1850 on land that was part of a several hundred acre tract purchased from William Penn in 1685. Valley Green has been called the “emotional center” of the park and is a beautiful location to stop for lunch. We will meet at the Arboretum and travel by small bus. Wear good walking shoes and please park in the meadow next to the entrance kiosk.  Instructor Ken LeRoy Horticulturist and Co-owner, Green Earth Gardens