Underground Railroad Historic Hike

Hike into the history of the Underground Railroad and the anti-slavery movement in Southern Lancaster County through the Lancaster Conservancy's Fishing Creek Nature Preserve.  Close to the Mason Dixon Line, we'll walk the old road and ford the creek three times as we trace a path of emancipation for Freedom Seekers who crossed the Susquehanna on what would later be known as the Pilgrim's Pathway to Christiana.  

Post-hike refreshments will be provided by the African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania.  We'll dine at Drumore Park in a pavillion.  Fare includes: sandwiches, salads, fruit, nature bars, and beverages.  

Hike Details:

• Sunday, June 22 from 9am-3pm (this time includes the shuttles, hike, and post-hike meal)
• 4 mile end-to-end hike with shuttle back to cars; shuttle departs at 9am before returning to the shuttle site for a post-hike feast
• Easy terrain on road; water crossings may be moderate
• Leisurely pace with stops to learn history
• Wear or bring footwear for creek crossings; hiking poles may be useful at the creek crossings
• Bring ample water and snacks
• Please note, since we are walking along a gravel road we do not anticipate a group stop where everyone will sit down 

Parking Location for Hike Shuttle:

• Drumore Park located at 1675 Furniss Road, Drumore, PA 
• Bathrooms are on-site; note that water is not suitable for drinking 

Your Hike Leaders:

• Peggy Eppig works for Lancaster Conservancy as a conservation educator and teaches in the graduate school for natural resources management and sustainability at Goucher College in Baltimore.  The Underground Railroad is a focus of her work in pilgrimage studies in association with the Institute of Pilgrimage Studies at William and Mary College, Virginia.  Peggy is a long-distance hiker and backpacker and has walked across Spain, Scotland, England, and the United States. 
• Randy Harris conducts research and community outreach activities for The Stevens & Smith Center for History and Democracy, a project of LancasterHistory which is scheduled to open in 2025/2026. Randy has been researching and conducting tours of Underground Railroad sites in Lancaster County and across Pennsylvania for more than 20 years. Learn more at: https://stevensandsmithcenter.org/.

Your Post-Hike Meal Hosts:

• African American Historical Society of South Central Pennsylvania members, whose family traversed this section of the Underground Railroad, will share their ties to this landscape.  The Society's mission is to, "collect, analyze, interpret, and preserve essential facts and materials related to the life of African Americans in historic and contemporary communities in South Central Pennsylvania and adjoining areas."

Cost:

• Adult- $10
• Youth Under 18- $5
• Adult Full Scholarship 
• Youth Full Scholarship