Underground Railroad FreeWalk: Philadelphia
Juneteenth walking history tour of Underground Railroad and related sites in the city of Philadelphia
Date and time
Location
LOVE Park Visitor Center
1569 John F Kennedy Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19102Refund Policy
About this event
- Event lasts 9 hours 30 minutes
Juneteenth walking history tour of Underground Railroad and related sites in the city of Philadelphia
Start: Love Park, 16th and JFK, near Suburban Station
Finish: Chestnut Hill East Station or Love Park
Distance: 6-20mi
Where to find us: near 16th and JFK
Optional endpoints: Many, including return to Su
Mini: 10K (6mi) loop back to Love Park
Terrain: paved, gravel
Transit: Septa to Suburban Station
Return: Septa Regional Rail
Parking: Love Park, Family Court Building, nearby garages
Difficulty: Beginner(short) to Advanced(full length)
Category: nature, history, urban, theme
Coordinator: Enithie Hunter and Charles Updike
Travel on foot as many Underground passengers did, learn about the history of the abolitionist movement in Philadelphia that helped to spawn the Underground Railroad, and the local routes moving people through the Philadelphia region, visit the Underground Railroad Museum, and finish with an escape from the city as many did along the Old Baltimore Pike.
Complete the short loop walk, or travel further with a visit to the museum, admission not included, perhaps a lunch stop, and return to the start by train.
Further details to come.
Highlights:
- Octavio Catto memorial
- Paschall Alley
- St Georges Church
- Arch Street Wharf
- Front and Market
- Anthony Benezet Home
- Lucretia Mott home
- Pennsylvania Hall
- Liberty Bell
- President's house
- Washington Square
- Mother Bethel AME Church
- James Forten House
- William Still house
- W E B DuBois mural
- Frances Ellen Watkins Harper House
FULL ROUTE includes:
- Belmont Mansion
- Underground Railroad Museum
- Johnson House
- Cliveden
- Old Baltimore Pike
Partners:
Circuit Trails is 800 miles of interconnected trails in Greater Philadelphia in the making, already one of America's largest trail networks. Once connected, the Circuit Trails will be one of the nation's premier urban trail networks and it will provide multiple benefits to neighborhoods, communities and the region as a whole.
More about FreeWalkers:
Our calendar of walks and hikes | About FreeWalkers | Walker stories | Walking tips
New Jersey walks | Pennsylvania walks | New York City walks
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Frequently asked questions
Fluids(32 to 64 ounces), snacks or a small meal are recommended for most events. Some walks have planned stops for provisions. Depending on weather and route, you may consider a hat, sunscreen, extra socks, rain poncho, umbrella, insect repellent, first aid or foot care.
FreeWalkers mostly works with the weather the day provides, but occasionally an event will be rescheduled or cancelled if there is the expectation of substantial rainfall or dangerous conditions. Registrants will always be emailed of such changes. If no notice is provided, the walk is a go!
FreeWalkers are free to walk as much of the route as they choose. There are often optional endpoints where transit is available. Uber and other options can be considered. If you do leave the walk, it is best to let the walk coordinator know, so the group does not wait or look for you.
Most FreeWalks start and/or end at mass transit points for ease of access and return. If driving to the event, you often may park at the start and return, or park at the end and ride to the start. Check the event description for details.
Generally, yes, but pets and children may be less able to tolerate a longer distance. Walks that include indoor segments will require walkers with pets to wait outside, of course.
No need. You will be checked in at the event by providing your name.