WINTER in the WISSAHICKON - PHILADELPHIA'S WILDERNESS

[@grillinandchillinwithdeb]

That was beautiful

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks so much, it was an amazing hike, and I wanted to convey the simple understated beauty of the Wissahickon...

[@gracegarden1]

Magical is right. You captured it, Walter! I didn't know Edgar Allen Poe had connections to PA. I'm going to have to look that up. Thanks for a breath taking 12 minutes. Peace & Prayers.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Carol. The way the snow was falling of the trees and the emerging blue skies was really a site to see. It was an invigorating and affirming experience. Poe lived in Philadelphia for a time, one of his homes is listed as a national historic landmark...

[@dayhikedave]

Zolna Magic. Well done. Beautiful. Always great to go back to childhood treasures. Thanks for taking us. 👍🙂🙏

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Dave, had a great time on this hike. Sometimes you just know a video is going to turn out well, and I had that feeling here!

[@ervinslens]

What a beautiful and indeed magical place, winter scenery at its finest! Shots are flawless Walter 👏👏

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Appreciate that my friend, was a wonderful experience out in my local woods. Weather was great, the blowing snow and beautiful skies really made for great filming opportunities...

[@TopoRanger]

I did'nt realize how much wilderness there was so close to the city and with so many interesting features. The only one I had heard of before was the Devil's Pool and that's mainly because of the people jumping off the bridge into the creek. Beautiful winter scenes Walter!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I use the term wilderness here loosely Brett, by urban standards yes, by most others no. But the thing is, for city folk, and as I said for me when I was growing up, this was THE place to feel a sense of nature and a glimpse of wilderness. There are so many features here - geological caves, rock outcroppings, huge trees, waterfalls, wildlife... But its really the seamless blending of nature with man made that truly give this place its unique charm. Old stone walls, mill ruins, historic buildings, bridges, no lie - every couple hundred feet you will come across another and another point of interest, which does make it stand out from a traditional hike in true deep woods. This happens to be my favorite loop there, but it only scratches the surface of all there is in the Wissahickon...

[@AnyaDiary]

Awesome sharing😍👍🏻beautiful nature, I like the place, beautiful, cool, extraordinary, cool video, I enjoyed the video, happy work, always successful and healthy for you, Amen, thank you, my dear friend, I hope you always have a happy day💝

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks for those wonderful words, it is greatly appreciated, good luck in your adventures my friend!

[@Sadeghijart]

MAGNIFICENT video, love it, thanks for taking me in your trip. I have not seen the whole park yet. Wissahickon is my favorite park in all seasons.❤

[@WALTERZOLNA]

This particular loop is my favorite, thought it only touches on a portion of what can be seen back the Wissahickon. And I think that is the really neat thing about the park - all of the various points of interest let's call them - bridges, buildings, public art, historical sites, stone walls, they blend so well into the natural landscape and provide constant source of interesting things to see...

[@debbiehills2928]

❤🎉😮wow on the snow, the bridge, waterfalls, and 🎉😊 on enjoying your childhood play areas. Your expertise makes it all so much better seeing it through your eyes!❤😊❤ thanks walter. I would love it there.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Its always nice to revisit with an old friend. That is what the Wissahickon means to me. Lots of bridges, old stone walls, water features, historic sites, all help to create lots of points of interest and opportunities for filming and photography, thanks Debbie !

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

Loved seeing this area covered in snow. I've never visited in the winter before, but everything looked especially beautiful covered in snow. You also showed so many of the special features and areas of the park. Have you ever been to John Heinz Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia? It's another amazing pocket of nature in the city and it's also one of my favorite places for bird watching. It's very different from the Wissahickon area, but the same in that it is an urban wildlife area.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I have been to Heinz yes, but was a long time ago. Its an interesting place with its location near the airport and all of the heavy industrialization in that area. It is fascinating the diversity of wildlife there considering the location... At some point I will go back and film... I think the one or two times I was there I had a hard time getting around the overall sounds of the place. The air planes, highway, general ambient "urban noise". I think sound is a hugely underrated aspect of a natural experience - ofcourse this is also an issue in the Wissy- but the value of nature sounds versus artificial human noise can really make a huge impact for me in terms of how i subjectively view a hike or "nature" experience...

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

@@WALTERZOLNA Yes, I think that's a fair assessment and there the noise of the planes and the highway. I find certain areas are more peaceful than others and when the leaves are on the trees it helps muffle sound. If you haven't been there for a few years they have added some additional boardwalks over the tidal marsh. I do completely understand about the sound though. You want to feel relaxed and refreshed by nature and we all have our preferences. I have been visiting Heinz for years so I think I'm just used to it.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

@@hikingoutdoorfamily it has been a very long time, and I want to give the Heinz Refuge, a new unbiased look, hopefully in the near future. I know that alot has been done there to improve both the visitor experience and the conditions for wildlife... Maybe I will see you there, lol🙂

[@verdashirk9819]

Absolutely beautiful hike in the snow!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you Verda so much! It was an incredibly special hike for me...

[@donnamusselman3191]

You have a real talent for capturing the mystique of a place. I always feel i am right there experiencing it myself,instead of watching a video.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you so much! That is a wonderful comment, I truly appreciate that, I try my best to create that feeling for the viewer, to try and bring them right to the location with me...

[@cathyp4342]

What a magical place. Your choice of music was great so soothing while enjoying the scenery. The dusting of snow made it picture perfect. So nice to see that Inn preserved and being used.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

The inn is still very much a highly patronized establishment focusing on authentic classic American dishes and also a popular location for hosting weddings and events. I wanted to give this video a real documentary kind of feel and just to show how beautiful nature can be found everywhere, even in a major American city, and to show my love and appreciation for my home park the "Wissy"... Thanks Cathy...

[@CraigKoppel]

Very nice job with the narrative. It looked so cold there with all the fresh snow. 👍

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Craig. I started out with the intention of making a silent film focusing on all the wonderful scenes unfolding all around me. But at a certain point I got the notion to make this kind of a documentary/ tribute to one of my favorite places...

[@charliejg]

Beautiful park Walter! Some really nicely done video too.. Thanks for taking us along!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Charlie, this place is right outside my door step. I was blessed to get alot of nice shots with the snow falling off the trees. It really is a beautiful and special place, and I stand by my assessment that the Wissahickon is one of the great natural areas in Pennsylvania!

[@sonplusone7059]

Brilliant!!! 🤗

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks so much Cheryl, this place is a piece of me which I tried to convey, it was a blessed experience that day...

[@scottcoard1486]

Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing. It's neat to see your "home" park.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Sometimes I forget to show the sites that are all around me because I'm so used to them and they don't excite me the way other far off locations do. But I mean Valley Forge, Independence Hall, even the Pennsylvania state arboretum I could literally walk to from my house... Lots of history, a little nature, but beauty can be found everywhere if you look for it...

[@mountainsintomemories]

What really amazes me, is how quickly Mother Nature returns to an area after man leaves it. Lots of old stone structures too which are really interesting. I can see the allure of this place. I appreciate you sharing this one!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It's not deep woods by any means, but the way the stone work, bridges, buildings, and structures are all incorporated into the landscape really create a unique feel to the place. There is always another point of interest around every bend. And the geology of the gorge is pretty impressive too, really impressive for southeastern Pennsylvania...

[@artemis4661]

Outstanding Walter. Thank you for posting.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks so much, this video, and really more specifically this location, is really very special to me, and I tried to really convey that here... Appreciate your watching and comment.

[@bwatcher1000]

What a beautiful film. Thank you.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I thank you for taking the time to watch, and more importantly leaving a wonderful comment! Feedback from viewers is what keeps pushing me to do my best to showcase beautiful Scenic Pennsylvania, have a wonderful weekend!

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

They way you speak in your videos is like how I feel when I'm outside on a trail! This was magical to watch! Thanx for the time and effort you put into creating these videos Walter!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks for saying thanks! It always feels good to know that the hard work I put into these projects is appreciated...

[@quietjohnoutandabout6578]

Hi. I watched this on a Sunday afternoon while sitting in my parlor on my favorite chair in the sun. This has been very relaxing for me. It was one of those videos that were over, but I didn't want it to end. It's such a place to return to remember your childhood!!! The history was very interesting. Someday, I will forest bathe it all in. Thanks.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Its amazing how certain places, people, and things can trigger a real sense of nostalgia. As I was walking along, I had many memories come back to me, and this project took on a much more personal meaning to me....

[@kateclark7250]

This is the most amazing place. Thank you for filming here and telling us its story. This is truly wonderful

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It's funny but the Wissahickon park is literally about 3 miles from where I live. I drive through it every day to and from work. I need to remind myself every once in awhile how special this place actually is, and not to take it for granted...

[@therestlessgardener9287]

Your narration was touching and truly befitting the special beauty of the gorge. A must-see for anyone living in the region!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It started out that I just wanted to film some snow scenes, and I didn't want to drive far cause I wasn't sure how the roads were going to be ... It turned into a bit of a personal accounting of what the Wissahickon has meant to me over the years.... I'm glad it worked out that way...🙂

[@groundbreakerexplore]

Thank you for showing us such amazing Winter hiking videos! I look forward to your next work! Have a great day~

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Appreciate that, thank you so much. Winter time, especially with a snowy scene is amazing to both experience in person and also presents great filming opportunities. Thanks for taking the time to drop a comment!

[@HikingwithRicky]

Great editing. So crisp. The colors really popped out in this video. The snow falling was really cool. Really enjoyed the shots of the streams. Thanks for sharing!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks brother. When the weather and scenery cooperates it makes filming alot easier!

[@dianealexander315]

You captured the beauty of winter here in the northeast.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

If you are ok with the cold temps then winter hiking can be be an absolutely exhilarating experience. So many less people around, and a certain quiet and peacefulness in the winter time...

[@dianealexander315]

@@WALTERZOLNA Yes, I totally agree. I go out for a walk at night when there’s no wind and the cold air is so refreshing. There’s less people out and the quietness gives inner peace.

[@laurieg6649]

So beautiful!!This video and one recent visit reinvigorated my love for the place. I grew up going to the park and you did a great job of showcasing the unique natural and man made features ! Thanks!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Wonderful feedback, I appreciate that alot, thank you. It's a special place to so many people, that is for sure!

[@PATG1]

WOW BEATIFUL snow makes its stunning.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Snow always adds a subject of interest to the otherwise flat colors of a typical Pennsylvania winter...

[@buscampers]

Beautifully done. I didnt know there was a covered bridge in Philly.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Yup, the only covered bridge that can be found in a major American city. That's one of the more scenic locations in the park right there...

[@buscampers]

@@WALTERZOLNA I'm shocked it's not all tagged up lol

[@WALTERZOLNA]

@@buscampers yea me too. The only place where the vandalism gets really bad is around the Devil's Pool, which is a notorious swimming hole and hang out spot.

[@don55s]

Great video!!! ROCK ON!!!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

This place is special to me, as it is literally right down the street. I wanted to show some love to my home park, a place that is precious to the community around here. As you always say, the beauty of Pennsylvania is amazing... even in places you wouldn't expect!

[@don55s]

@@WALTERZOLNA Two of my daughters live in Philly. They both take their children to that park. Perhaps it will occupy their memories when they have grown. Wonderful inheritance.

[@MaksimOutdoors]

Wow where do I begin, firstly thanks for the tour of area I didn’t even realize existed until now, excellent narrations through the video as well, looks like a trail with everything you could ask for cascades, caves, architecture and history. Those shots of the snow swirling were 👌🏼 keep it up 👍

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Its not the kind of place many would know of outside the Philadelphia area. When you grow up in the city this qualifies as wilderness... Most people if placed in the middle of the Wissahickon would swear they were far away fom the city. Thanks for watching Bill!

[@tammydobson3174]

It is a beautiful place.....It is so majsetic!!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Absolutely Tammy, I agree. Especially nice after a fresh snow fall or in the fall. Spring, around end of April early May is also a great time in the Wissahickon...

[@LumberjackPa]

Wow! I looked at the map, and this place is huge! Thanks for sharing this gem! It's on our list now!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It's definitely worth a visit and an explore. It is an urban park, so it can get pretty busy and has some other minor issues that come with that. But really you could film a half dozen or more videos here with all the things to see.

[@link10915]

You reminded me that I should go back for a visit, which is what I did the day after watching. Then scheduled a dinner at the Valley Green Inn. Thanks for reminding me of what is almost in my backyard.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I'm so happy to hear that, I love getting that kind of feedback, that is what the channel is all about!

[@petekambe3279]

I grew up on the south bank of the creek/park on a small street just off school house lane. There was a bridal path which at the time had fallen into disrepair (50+ years ago). I've always wondered what it looked like when new and what it looks like now. This vid brought back a lot of childhood memories.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I'm glad the video brought you back some memories, it's a special place to many people...

[@ruangilmu8588]

beautiful hike in the snow

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thank you my friend 🙂

[@fivehorizons5295]

Damn that was good! 👍 it’s amazing how much beauty is right outside our door! I loved the bridges, felt like the shire from Lord of the Rings or something.

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Jeff, sometimes I forget about the cool spots right in the back yard... It's a great place to film because of all the cool features in addition to the trails which are surprisingly challenging. I know people hike there as preparation for longer backpacking trips sometimes...

[@Staleena1]

It’s like watching a movie wow I’m learning about Pennsylvania as a new comer To the state it’s so beautiful and interesting thanks for the videos

[@WALTERZOLNA]

It's my pleasure to create them. Lots of amazing history as well as underrated scenic beauty in Pennsylvania!

[@Staleena1]

@@WALTERZOLNA I know I don’t have time to see it all I’m here for two weeks and back home to Oklahoma for two weeks

[@EvaOstrava]

Hi Walt how are you? Thanks for sharing your childhood favorite place, aren’t those the best!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Hello Eva I'm doing well, thanks. That place did a lot to shape my early love of nature and exploring. Growing up in an urban area, that place was quite the exciting adventure as a kid, and in many ways it still is today. I have been thinking of checking out Minnewaska state park, I assume you have been there?

[@EvaOstrava]

@@WALTERZOLNA actually I have never been there! Haven’t been doing much hiking lately, my kids are on a hiking strike lol, but I’m sure they will come around. Hopefully in the spring!

[@chrissanfino761]

Again, awesome cinematography especially at the covered bridge. Love it! How old you think that milestone is?

[@WALTERZOLNA]

I'm not sure if it's original or not. It probably is though and would date to the mid 1800s maybe. There is another one in the town I live in right on the main thorofare. The exact same size shape and markings but with different mileage obviously. I live a few miles from the Wissahickon park. There were probably many along that route at one time and I guess a few still survive!??!

[@chrissanfino761]

@@WALTERZOLNA I grew up in the Hamptons on Long Island. In a place called the springs there's one milestone said to have dated to the 1600s but I am not sure. It's on "Old Stone highway"

[@JimAndMichele]

Very nice job. 🙂

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Thanks Jim!

[@rickyt3961]

thank you!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

My pleasure Ricky.

[@darcyshikingdiaries]

2:56: I feel like I'm in a movie watching this!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

The blowing snow created some very cinematic shots...

[@ianrumnock]

Teddyscung!!!

[@WALTERZOLNA]

Yup he's still in there watching over the valley!