Challenge Yourself to Give Thanks

Wellness // November 01, 2017

If you ask Gene Bishop to name her favorite trail in the Wissahickon, she’ll tell you it’s like asking her about her favorite season to walk there: It’s hard for her to choose, because her favorite thing about the Wissahickon is that it’s always changing.

During this time of thanksgiving, we are grateful for this and the many other gifts Wissahickon Valley Park has to offer. And we are grateful to everyone who is supporting FOW’s year-round work to preserve the beauty and health of this important resource by participating in the All Trails Challenge (ATC).

Gene has been walking the trails for 35 years, but always the same ones, never venturing to the Roxborough side for example. And health problems over the last few years didn’t make it easier to go exploring. But the All Trails Challenge has changed that.

Gene decided to take on the Challenge to improve her health and motivate her to explore previously unfamiliar parts of the park. She’s loved exploring new trails and plans to return to all of them even after the fall to see how they look in other seasons.

The All Trails Challenge ends on November 28 (#GivingTuesday) so there’s still time to show your love for the park. Sponsoring an ATC Challenger or team is a great way to give back. Or, consider joining the ATC yourself–whether you track five or 50 miles, every little bit helps.