The Belmont Plateau Maze as I call it, is a bunch of trails that loop around an area next to Belmont Plateau. From what I gather there are no trail maps available, none would help, and these trails are not marked. Most hikers do not even know they exist. The trails go anywhere but straight as well with slight ups and downs. Plan to get lost here for about 45 minutes to and hour.

When we find our way out, we'll stop by the Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Plateau to take a short look.
We will skip the tour on this visit. (We can take a 45 minute tour. $7 normal. $5 if we have 15 people interested.)

Then, we'll head across Belmont Plateau where you will get a great view of the city to the beautiful Horticultural Center Gardens and Arboretum. We'll explore both the inside and outsides for 30 minutes or so before heading to the Japanese Gardens which are on nearby grounds.

I've arranged a special tour of the Japanese House & Gardens at 230pm. Cost is $3.50 - $4. (Group fee of $15, split between group, and $3 admission per person. )
Afterwards we head back to the starting point via the Maze. We will also stop at the historic Strawberry Mansion Bridge where we will get a great view of the Schuylkill and surrounding park area.

The entire trip with the tour will take 4-5 hours. The distance will be 5-8 miles, mostly flat with slight ups and downs.

Here is a link to the meeting spot at a parking lot down the road from Chamounix Mansion. http://maps.google.co...

• Bring plenty of water. I drink 1 liter per hour in hot weather.
• Make sure to bring a camera for this hike.
• Always best to wear long pants and long sleeve shirts on hikes to protect you from the sun, thorn bushes, poison ivy, etc. Often I'm sorry when I don't take my own advice.
• Always a good idea to bring an umbrella to protect against the sun for real hot days.

To carpool from Hill House (201 W Evergreen, 19118) meet at 1115 am. Email me if you want to carpool.
If the weather is iffy I'll email a weather report a few days before the hike.. To see more about the weather visit: http://www.hikingarou...

Have your event fee ready in dollar bills so we can get going right away. No coins, dubloons, or 5's or 10"s. Thank you.

Please be aware of our group rating system. We need 5 stars ratings or no rating. http://www.hikingarou...

If you change your mind please change your RSVP. No-shows may be barred from future events.