In a few short weeks, I’ll be off to Provincetown for my summer vacation. Needless to say, my friends and I have been spending more and more time at the gym in preparation for long days on the beach and by the pool. At the risk of sounding superficial, I believe everyone wants to feel confident in how they look, and I’m a firm believer that working out is equally beneficial for our bodies, minds and spirits. And since exercise is on my mind, this column highlights some of our area’s most enjoyable outdoor activities. The Philadelphia region is packed with beautiful parks, rivers and trails that provide the perfect backdrop for a fun and challenging workout or a leisurely escape from the city. It won’t be long before the seasons begin to change again, so get out and enjoy our scenic attractions!
For the most athletic and ambitious outdoorsmen and women among us, there’s no greater physical challenge around than the Horse-Shoe Trail. This 140-mile trail is designed for hiking and horse riding, and it runs from the intersection of Routes 23 and 252 in Valley Forge National Historical Park to the Appalachian Trail. Though some choose to hike the entire distance over a series of days, there is a multitude of ways to enjoy this trail. With long stretches of the trail running parallel to the Pennsylvania Turnpike through Chester, Berks and Lancaster counties, there are many opportunities to customize the length and difficulty of your route. For more information, check out www.hstrail.org.
If you’re looking for a trail that’s more suitable for a jog or bike ride, look no further than Montgomery County. Montco is a nationally recognized leader in trail development for recreation and transportation and claims some of our region’s most popular and well-known outdoor paths — such as the Pennypack, the Schuylkill River and the Wissahickon trails — as their own. Open and available for use from dawn to dusk all year around, each Montco trail is designed to facilitate exercise, outdoor activities and an appreciation of open space. To research all the area has to offer, visit www.trails.montcopa.org.
For outdoor enthusiasts who are game for something a bit more extreme, plan a visit to Ralph Stover State Park in Bucks County. Located about 2 miles north of Point Pleasant near Route 32, this park is a popular destination for rock climbing on High Rocks and whitewater kayaking on Tohickon Creek. In addition, Ralph Stover State Park boasts a 1-mile hiking trail and shaded picnic area. To make arrangements for kayaking or whitewater rafting, visit Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Web site at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.
If you’re a Center City resident looking for a place to get outside while staying close to home, Fairmount Park is perfect. From jogging on Kelly Drive to playing tennis next to The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, there’s no shortage of facilities for a wide range of uses in Fairmount Park. Also home to the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum, Fairmount Park has been revitalized in recent years due in very large part to the exemplary leadership of the Fairmount Park Commission. For more information on Philadelphia’s most accessible “natural resource,” visit www.fairmountpark.org.
If none of the aforementioned activities interests you, check out the extensive online resource guide from Boundless Philadelphia, an initiative of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, at www.gophila.com. From fishing to hiking to camping, Boundless Philadelphia’s Web site is your one-stop shop to plan any type of outdoor excursion. Also, remember that Philadelphia has a number of LGBT sports teams in disciplines as diverse as swimming, wrestling and softball. Whether you’re a former athlete looking to get back in competitive shape or a novice looking to develop a new skill, joining a team may be the ticket. To check out links to each team’s Web site, visit www.teamphiladelphia.org.
That’s all I’ve got for this week. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!
If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail [email protected].