Toleration Statue — Attraction in Philadelphia

Iconic and stunning statue of William Penn (Jr.), founder of the colony of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia. Perched high on top of some rocks that jut out over the lower, "orange" trail in the park, it's a great spot for photos and to get a sense of the size of the park.

If you want to try some easy, low-grade rock scrambling, the path up to the statue from the Orange Trail is easy to follow and not difficult or scary. Just to the south is one of the many old water pipes there were built in the park. To start the rock scramble, once you're on the side of the pipe near the statue, head off to the NE/E (that's a right if you're looking up at the statue with the water pipe behind you) and just keep looking for ways to climb up. It's not super hard and as a local hike leader I use this place several times a year to help let newbies get comfortable...

Fantastic view from a rock outcropping and an interesting piece of public art. An unnamed Quaker dedicated to tolerance gazes at the sunset tucked away in history packed Wissahickon Park. Can be easily reached from white or orange trails, although with little kids we decided to use the easier white trail. 10-20 minute hike from Blue Bell Park and less the 5 minutes from the white trail street parking on park line drive.

There are some good rocks to sit on right behind the statue where you can share it's breathtaking west facing view. We stopped here New Year's Day for a picnic and contemplated the virtue to which the statue is devoted to. Under appreciated and in short supply in this age, and perhaps more difficult to practice...

The Toleration Statue is a hidden historical treasure located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. Contrary to common belief, this secluded figure is not a representation of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, but rather an unnamed Quaker man. Sculpted in 1883 by Herman Kirn, the statue stands as a symbol of religious and political tolerance. It was donated to the city by John Welsh, a prominent Philadelphian and former park commissioner. Perched atop Mom Rinker’s Rock, the statue overlooks the Wissahickon Creek and is accessible via a short hike, offering visitors a moment of reflection on the Quaker ideals that shaped Pennsylvania’s...