Join us for a leisurely walk through Madison history as we draw close to All Hallows Eve. Our leader will be Bruce Gregg, coordinator of the PLATO course, What in the World Happened. Forest Hill Cemetery, created by the City of Madison in 1857, is the final resting place for many of Madison’s and the University’s prominent citizens. It also contains two military burial sites, one Confederate and one Union, for soldiers who died during the Civil War. Serving as a memorial of even earlier residents, an effigy mound in the form of a goose is located on the southeast side of the cemetery. You will find much more about Forest Hill at http://foresthill.williamcronon.net/
Parking Information
The entrance to Forest Hill is at 1 Speedway, near the intersection with Regent St. We will convene at the John Catlin Chapel, about one block up the cemetery road from the entrance. You may park cars along that road.
What to Expect on the Walk
Expect to walk, rain or shine, unless there are electrical storms or tornado warnings. Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. The pace will be leisurely but terrain may get uneven in some places.
The variations in landscape expressions seen throughout Forest Hill– the bulbs that bloom in early spring, the vibrant greenery accentuating many graves, and the eye-catching hues of artificial flowers– are the result of efforts by individuals, families, and communities who come to care for lots and beds throughout the cemetery.
Refreshments following walk:
Following the walk we will refresh ourselves in the Chapel with apple cider and cookies.
Hill Rating
On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is very steep, the trails are rated 1.0.
Quality of trail footing
On a scale of 1 to 5 where 5 represents very difficult footing, the trails we will follow are rated a 1.5.
Walk Difficulty
A two hour walk along a grassy paths and paved roadways. There will be opportunities to shorten or lengthen the path, depending on group interests and abilities.
Handicap Accessibility?
The paths are handicap accessible. They will be more manageable with someone to assist you. Please call me at 608 257-9164 to further evaluate the trails
Microphone
Our leader will have a microphone along to assist in delivering his message as clearly as possible.
