The Wissahickon Valley Park Trails: A Peaceful Respite

There are more than 50 miles of trails to discover across over 2,000 acres of Wissahickon Valley Park, which run from the Germantown section of Philadelphia up through Chestnut Hill. Spending a few hours immersed in the natural beauty of the Wissahickon has a calming effect on the mind and soul, making it the perfect place to unwind for some residents of The Hill at Whitemarsh.

Betsy Gemmill has lived at The Hill since 2021 and has spent much of her life with easy access to the Wissahickon.

“I was born in Germantown and moved to Bucks County when I was 12, so some of my earliest memories involve drinking hot cocoa along the Wissahickon,” said Betsy. “I really love fall and winter in the woods.”

Betsy’s friend and neighbor, Louise “Weezie” Johnston, also has fond childhood memories of spending time in the Wissahickon.

“I remember feeding the ducks as a child, ice skating on the Wissahickon, and riding in sleighs on snowy days,” said Weezie. “Then having the ability to do the same thing with my children when they were small—so many great memories are tucked into those woods for me.”

Before moving to The Hill in 2020, Weezie lived in Chestnut Hill on the edge of the Wissahickon and would often take morning walks with her husband.

“I walked on the Lavender Trail nearly every day and loved to spend time on Forbidden Drive,” Weezie recalled. “I joined the board of Friends of Wissahickon in 1997 and was part of a small group of people who worked hard to improve trail maintenance and increase accessibility to the public until stepping aside in 2018.”

It’s no surprise that The Hill tends to attract residents who love nature given the fact that it was built alongside the bucolic Erdenheim Farm, which boasts 450 acres of rolling hills and open land.

“I actually came to tour The Hill with a friend who was interested in moving there, but as soon as I saw it, I put my name on the list,” said Betsy. “I moved in two months later, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I walk Dixon Meadow Preserve once a day and love how close I am to Fairmount Park, the Morris Arboretum, and Wissahickon Valley Park. The Hill makes it so easy to be outside and enjoy nature.”

“If you are the kind of person who likes the outdoors, The Hill is attractive because of its open spaces and proximity to the Wissahickon and Dixon Meadow Preserve,” echoes Weezie. “Being in such a beautiful, natural area, feels like taking a mental vacation every time you step into the woods, and there’s something new and exciting to discover with every step.”

“I walk Dixon Meadow Preserve once a day and love how close I am to Fairmount Park, the Morris Arboretum, and Wissahickon Valley Park. The Hill makes it so easy to be outside and enjoy nature.”
– Betsy Gemmill