William Penn was so inspired by the eastern hardwood forest that greeted him that he named his colony Penn's Woods, or Pennsylvania. His desire to establish a "greene countrie towne" was fundamental to his vision of the colony as a place of religious freedom.

Today, Philadelphia is blooming with parks and gardens, many of which grace the city's historic homes and art museums.

Visit our main Sports and Outdoors section for a complete guide to outdoor attractions in Philadelphia.

And be sure to also visit the Sports Database of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.