Conquering the...Hills? Mountain Misconceptions in Philadelphia
Ah, Philadelphia. City of Brotherly Love, cheesesteaks, and...mountains? Hold on there, cowboy. While Philly is a fantastic place, it's not exactly the setting for your next epic mountaineering adventure.
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| What Mountains Are In Philadelphia |
Don't Get Your Hiking Boots in a Twist
Now, before you picture Ben Franklin scaling nonexistent peaks in a powdered wig, let's clear the air. Philadelphia sits on the coastal plain, meaning the terrain is pretty darn flat. Sure, there might be a few bumps and inclines that get your heart rate up a smidge (especially after that cheesesteak), but they're more like enthusiastic hills than mountains.
The closest you'll get to a true mountain range in the city itself is a really good diorama at the Franklin Institute (which, by the way, is awesome and totally worth checking out).
The "Mountains" of Philadelphia: More Like Mighty Molehills
But hey, that doesn't mean Philly is devoid of all things "high ground." Here's a look at what passes for mountains in the City of Brotherly Love:
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
- Georges Hill: The undisputed king (or maybe more like prince) of Philly hills, reaching a whopping 223 feet (68 meters). That's about the height of a 20-story building, impressive for a casual stroll but not quite Everest.
- Lemon Hill: Don't be fooled by the zesty name. This citric-monikered mount comes in at a slightly less impressive 88 feet (27 meters). Still, it offers a decent view of the Schuylkill River, so there's that.
- Eastwick Hill: Rounding out the trio of Philly's "mountains" is Eastwick Hill, a wee lad at just 56 feet (17 meters) tall. Perfect for a post-lunch nap, maybe?
Pro Tip: If you're looking for a challenge, try climbing these three "mountains" in one go. We won't judge if you need a cheesesteak refuel halfway through though.
So You Want to Hike a Philadelphia "Mountain"?
While you won't need a sherpa or an oxygen tank, here are some quick tips for your (slightly sarcastic) mountain adventure in Philly:
- Comfortable shoes are key: Those cobblestone streets can be treacherous, especially after a cheesesteak-induced sugar rush.
- Hydration is important: Even conquering a mighty molehill can be thirsty work.
- Bring your camera: You might not be scaling K2, but you never know what photo ops await on those scenic "mountain" trails.
Remember: Safety first! Don't attempt to climb any buildings in your quest for altitude.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
FAQ: Philly's "Mountain" Life - Frequently Asked Questions (with a Wink)
How to train for climbing a Philadelphia "mountain"
Easy! Walk up a flight of stairs a few times. You'll be good to go.
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How to pack for a Philadelphia "mountain" hike
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
Comfortable shoes, snacks (cheesesteak, anyone?), and maybe a good book for the summit.
How to tell the difference between a Philadelphia "mountain" and a real mountain
Hint: Look for the lack of snow and the abundance of cheesesteak shops.
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
How to find the best cheesesteak after conquering a Philadelphia "mountain"
This, my friend, is the real challenge. Ask a local, they'll know.
How to impress your friends with your Philadelphia "mountain climbing" experience
Just tell them you summited Georges Hill. They'll never know the difference.
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