George W. Childs Park

George W. Childs Park. . Attracted by its natural beauty and wildlife, philanthropist George W. Childs purchased this land in 1892. He developed a public park because he believed everyone, not just wealthy landowners, should be able to experience and appreciate being outdoors. The park was designed to highlight and enhance the natural and man-made amenities found here. The capstone boulder, inscribed with the park name and founding year, still proudly welcomes visitors., [Sidebar] , Your Park to Explore… , . 40 miles of the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River , . 67,000 acres of forested mountains, riverine valleys, and fertile floodplains , . Tumbling waters, rhododendron ravines, and hemlock forests , . The spectacular Delaware Water Gap , . More than 100 miles of hiking trails along streams, ridges, and mountaintops , . Bountiful wildlife in habitats ranging from river to ridge top , . 27 miles of the Appalachian Trail , . More than 100 miles of scenic roadways , . Historic villages, structures, and landscapes from the valley's colonial past , . Agricultural fields that have been farmed for more than a thousand years, Caption: George W. Childs earned his fortune as publisher of the Philadelphia Public Ledger.