Valley Forge

AND HERE, IN THIS PLACE OF SACRIFICE, IN THIS VALE OF HUMILIATION, IN THIS VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, OUT OF WHICH THE LIFE OF AMERICA ROSE REGENERATE AND FREE, LET US BELIEVE WITH AN ABIDING FAITH THAT TO THEM, UNION WILL SEEM AS DEAR AND LIBERTY AS SWEET AND PROGRESS AS GLORIOUS AS THEY WERE TO OUR FATHERS AND ARE TO YOU AND ME AND THAT THE INSTITUTIONS WHICH HAVE MADE US HAPPY, PRESERVED BY THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN, SHALL BLESS THE REMOTEST GENERATION OF THE TIME TO COME -Henry Armitt Brown

I’ll be completely honest.  I was not thrilled about the prospect of hiking in Pennsylvania, and was fully prepared to do some pedestrian hike near my hotel and call it good.  I had to go to Pottstown, PA for work and thought I could just do some random hike after work and check it off my list as my hike for the month of May.  I had low expectations for any trail off the busy Route 422. 

Fortunately, I checked my hiking snobbery and set out to explore Valley Forge National Park.  This well-preserved park was a delightful surprise.  It covers 3,500 acres of monuments and structures that are spread out over rolling hills and tucked into surprisingly secluded forests.   Valley Forge was the winter encampment (1777-1778) for General George Washington and the Continental Army.  The location was desirable for Washington since it was defensible and just a day’s march from the British occupied Philadelphia.    https://www.nps.gov/vafo/learn/historyculture/valley-forge-history-and-significance.htm

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Since I only had a limited time after work to explore the park before the sun set, my colleague, Jason, and I embarked on mini explorations over two days.  The first day we didn’t really know where to start, so we followed the obvious path (Joseph Plumb Martin Trail) that traversed along a beautiful rolling field and past refurbished huts. 

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The sun was beating down on us and the heat was a stifling 72.  I was hungry and worn out and suggested to Jason that we turn around and go find dinner.  Jason convinced me to go just a bit further and that’s when we discovered the Washington Arch. 

This thoughtfully designed arch was a poignant monument honoring the people who fought to create America.  The desire to be free and not be beholden to kings or queens, but to govern ourselves through democracy still defines us -I hope.  Men and women sacrificed their lives for freedom, because they knew what it meant to live without it.  I wonder if we would fight that hard today, not knowing what we really had to lose.  Some would.  I’d like to think I would be one of them.

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Mount Misery -Not So Miserable

Although the first excursion in Valley Forge was unexpectedly inspiring, it didn’t really feel like a hike.  Jason and I both felt like we needed to get some dirt under our feet and escape the pavement.  We scouted out the perfect option for day 2: Mount Misery Trail to Horse Shoe Trail.

The trail starts with a gentle uphill climb and eventually takes you away from the sounds of traffic. It’s a crowded trail with lots of hikers and bikers, but it’s a lovely break from the interstate rat race.

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The Horse Shoe Trail is a 140 mile trail that will eventually connect to the Appalachian Trail in Harrisburg. Jason and I didn’t have that kind of time, so we took a right and headed down to the Valley Creek Trail where we were delighted to stumble upon some very old ruins.

This is Jason! See that walking stick? He picked it up at the trailhead and promptly returned it for the next hiker when we got back -because that’s the kind of guy he is. Fantastic hiking partner!

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This was built into the side of a hill. Jason and I wondered if the landscape just enveloped it over the centuries or if it was built into the hill intentionally.

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The entire hike was just a hair under three miles and certainly wasn’t a test of our stamina, but it was such a refreshing adventure. The staff at Valley Forge has done an admirable job in the preservation and upkeep of this important historical site. I’ve been driving past this place for years on my way to Pottstown, and never bothered to take a closer look.

This is why I’ve embarked on this hiking America project. Just off the highway, in so many places across the country, are places of significance and beauty just waiting to be discovered. And even though I have no problems venturing out on solo hikes, it was such a pleasure to have Jason hiking along with me. Thanks for helping me hike America!

Next Up -Alaska!