Meet HLs Alison Gagnon 610-322-9746 (alison.gagnon@verizon.net) and Bob Gagnon, for a hike through diverse wetlands, woodlands, and meadows on the Green Ribbon Trail that shadows the Wissahickon Creek from North Wales to Flourtown. The trail is generally moderate grade (elevation gain/loss ~175/350 ft) composed of dirt (potentially muddy at times) with areas of exposed roots and rocks, wooden bridges/boardwalks, several road crossings, with some short paved areas. The trail includes 7-8 concrete stepping-stone crossings of the Wissahickon Creek – trekking poles recommended.
For information about the Green Ribbon trail see: https://wissahickontrails.org/explore-the-watershed/find-your-preserve/green-ribbon-trail
Address: Meet at Fort Washington State Park, Militia Hill Day Use Area, Parking Lot #5, State Park Rd (also called Fort Washington Rd on some map apps), PA (GPS: 40.12104, -75.22367) at 9:00 am. The parking lot is opposite the Hawk Observation Deck. GPS coordinates are the most efficient way to find the parking lot.
Directions: From PA Turnpike Eastbound take Exit 333 towards Norristown, Take Ramp for Plymouth Rd, Turn Right onto Plymouth Rd this turns into Flourtown Rd, Turn Left onto Joshua Rd, Turn Right onto Militia Hill Rd, Turn Right (just after 447 Militia Hill Rd) onto State Park Rd. Parking Lot #5 is the first lot on your right and is opposite the Hawk Observation Deck. Note: State Park Rd is also called Fort Washington Rd on some map apps (ie, Apple maps).
Shuttle: From there we will shuttle to Parkside Place in North Wales (415 Parkside Pl, Upper Gwynedd, PA, ~25-minute shuttle; GPS: 40.21031, -75.28847) where we will start the hike. Park at the back of the park on the right after the Township Building and across from the pool.
NOTE: There are restrooms at both Ft. Washington State Park Parking Lot 5 and Parkside Place.
Bring: water, snacks, lunch, and trekking poles (if you have them, for creek crossings)