Walk for Fun, Walk for Community, Walk For Advocacy – Group Walks to Join this Spring and Summer

Photo courtesy of Albert Yee Photo

 

Walking can be a great addition to your everyday life. Walking with other people? Even better. 

Research shows group walks can boost mood, reduce stress and help people stay active longer—but honestly, anyone who’s ever spent time chatting with friends on a trail probably already knew that. There’s just something about moving together that can make conversations flow easier, turn strangers into friends, and simple walks become the highlight of your week. 

Across Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, Circuit Trails Coalition members and Community Grantees are bringing people together one step at a time. Through walking groups and trail-based outings that focus on everything from wellness to exploration, these gatherings expose trail users to the many ways they can connect #OnTheCircuit.

Whether you’re looking to move your body, meet more people, learn something new or support a more connected region, there’s a walking group and 420+ miles of Circuit Trails waiting for you. 

Lace up your sneakers for your next adventure with:

 

Walk Around Philadelphia

Walk Around Philadelphia offers facilitated walks, ranging from short neighborhood explorations to full-day experiences along the city’s boundary (hence its name—you can literally walk all the way around Philadelphia). These walks give participants the opportunity to discover hidden gems, spend time outdoors and connect with people they may not have met otherwise. 

This year marks a major milestone: 10 years of Walk Around Philadelphia providing free, community-powered walks that trace the city’s parameters. Learn more about their upcoming events and check their calendar.

 

Trenton Walks!

Trenton Walks! invites community members to explore parks across New Jersey. Sponsored by the Trenton Green Team with support from the Circuit Trails’ Mercer County Action team, the program creates opportunities for residents and visitors to experience local green spaces and meet new people.

Stay up-to-date on the planned walks, including two walks about the pivotal role Trenton played in the American Revolution, here.

 

We Walk PHL

We Walk PHL is a free walking group that meets several times a week in parks across Philadelphia. In early May, the program celebrated their 10-year anniversary at LOVE Park to kick off the season! To celebrate, We Walk PHL will be hosting 10 walks #OnTheCircuit this year.

Guided walks are led by trained community members who are local to the parks and trails they walk. One to three walks happen per week and last about an hour each.

To view walking schedules, locations and updates, visit the We Walk PHL Facebook group page. Take a look at We Walk PHL’s spring schedule and map, which has events happening through June 30.

 

Hike+Heal

Founded in 2019, Hike+Heal creates welcoming outdoor experiences for women, especially women of color, who are seeking mindful movement, personal growth and a connection to nature. The group offers healing hikes and grounding experiences that support physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. 

Join this sisterhood by attending Hike+Heal’s new Hot Hunny Walk Series in collaboration with HOKA, starting on Tuesday, June 16, in Manayunk. Visit their page to check out additional events.

 

She Is Focused

Dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of women and girls, She Is Focused creates safe, supportive spaces for people to move, connect and build community together. Their programs encourage participants to spend time outdoors and in green spaces while prioritizing wellness and empowerment.

To learn more about upcoming walks, visit their events page.

 

LHT Saturday Morning Walking Club

Interested in learning about the Lawrence Hopewell Trail? Every second Saturday of the month, the LHT hosts the Saturday Morning Walking Club, giving people the opportunity to learn about the trail, connect with neighbors and exercise.

Stay tuned for details on their next walk by visiting their website closer to June. If you’re not sure what to expect, watch this short video to learn more!

 

Trail Walks at Valley Forge

Hosted by the Valley Forge Park Alliance, these free trail walks invite people of all ages, speeds and experience levels to enjoy an hour-long walk through one of the region’s most historic landscapes. Happening every Tuesday and Sunday at 10 a.m., these walks are great for history buffs or anyone looking for a scenic route!

Join them for the next event on Sunday, June 24, for a 2.6-mile paved walk from the Visitor Center to the National Memorial Arch and back. See their schedule of events here.

 

Latinas in Motion

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Latinas are at a high risk of developing heart disease, such as diabetes, obesity and physical inactivity. To help encourage, inspire and empower Latina women to get active, Latinas in Motion was created.

To learn about their upcoming events, join their Facebook group.

 

Bird and Nature Walks

Walking groups can also offer a chance to slow down and notice the beauty of our environment. Groups like the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and the Natural Lands Trust host seasonal bird walks that welcome anyone to experience the landscapes and habitats that make the Circuit Trails network so special. 

To learn about their upcoming bird walks, visit New Jersey Conservation Foundation and Natural Lands Trust events page.

 

Move With Me

For trail users interested in working up a bit more of a sweat, Move With Me, hosted by the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, occurs every Sunday at 7 a.m. and Wednesday at 6 a.m. on the Tookany Creek Trail. Participants are invited to this free, early morning run or bike ride.

RSVP to [email protected] or 215-744-1853 for meeting location.

 

Whether you’re walking to connect with others, get active or advocate for a more connected region, there are plenty of groups that can help you achieve your goal. Don’t forget to capture those moments and share them with us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok using #OnTheCircuit!