16-17 miles. Depart from outside the Suburban Station building at the corner of 16th & JFK Blvd. at 9:15 a.m. Because the Chestnut Hill West train line is not currently operating on weekends, hikers may take the Chestnut Hill East train (Bethlehem Pike and Chestnut Hill Avenue) into the city to start the hike or to return to Center City at the end of the hike. The 23 bus also runs from Chestnut Hill to Center City. We will finish at Germantown and Rex in Chestnut Hill which is about a quarter mile from the train station. This is a classic, traditional Batona winter hike. We traverse Fairmount Park and walk mostly on trails within the largest city park in the world. Terrain is level to hilly and rocky.
We will need to maintain a quick pace to finish before dark. Ice or accumulating snow cancels. In the event this hike is not practical due to COVID or public transportation problems, the leader may substitute a loop hike on trails along the Wissahickon Creek. Any changes will be posted on Meetup. A face mask is required and must be worn when social distancing is difficult. RSVP required at https://www.meetup.com/Batona-Hiking-Club/ or by contacting leader. Limit 15 participants, including leader. Cost: $1.00 plus train fare. Leader: Bruce Melgary, 215-498-0472, bmelgary@gmail.com.
