Name: Governor Dick Social Hike
Start: 2024-11-20T10:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-11-20T12:00:00-05:00

This is a beginner hike that I will attempt to post on a weekly basis. In order to accommodate beginner hikers we will hike at the pace of the slowest hiker and/or wait for them at intersections. All hikers are welcome to take part in this hike with the understanding that the pace may be slower than you prefer.

[My definition of a beginner hiker is that they should at least be an intermediate sidewalk walker. Hiking on natural uneven and hilly trails is more difficult than walking in your neighborhood. I suggest that you are able do two or three 3-4 mile neighborhood walks per week at 3.0 mph to prepare for our beginner hikes. This advice is intended for older hikers that are getting into shape. If you have stayed in shape throughout your lifetime or just finished a season of varsity lacrosse, you will be able to run rings around us. Feel free to message me if you have questions.]

**Pace:** Beginner (As fast as the slowest hiker) 2.0 to 3.0 mph depending on participants

**Distance:** 3 to 4 miles depending on weather and hiker abilities

**Terrain:** Smooth and rocky surfaces

**Amenities:** Plenty of parking; restrooms

**Qualifications:** All hikers must be members of Day Hikers of Central PA.

Our route will be selected before each hike depending on weather and hiker abilities. There are areas at Governor Dick that get muddy, but we will try to avoid them after and during rain, and we will hike those wet areas when the weather is drier so we are able to tour all parts of this beautiful park. Governor Dick publishes PDF maps at ([http://www.parkatgovernordick.org/visit.html](http://www.parkatgovernordick.org/visit.html) ).

We will meet in the parking lot that adjoins the Governor Dick Environmental (Visitor) Center

**40.237555,-76.459305**

Please use these coordinates in Google Maps or other GPS software. There are three additional parking areas at Governor Dick that will leave you far from where we are meeting. There is no hunting on Governor Dick property so we do not need to wear orange.

These hikes are always **rain or shine**. Governor Dick affords many trails that are safe in poor weather. I respect all hikers’ decision to only hike in weather that they enjoy. If you decide that the weather on the day of the hike does not suit you, all I ask is that you send me a text by 9:30 AM so we know not to wait for you.

I do not hike in **lightning**. If lightning is forecast for the time and location of the hike, I will cancel the hike around 8:00 AM on the morning of the hike to give all who are signed up for the hike enough advance notice before they begin driving. If there is a doubt about lightning, I will post a comment either way. I wait until the morning of the hike since the lightning forecast frequently improves as we get closer to hike time.

**Governor Dick has a “Plant a Legacy” Program** that allows hikers to plant a Norway Spruce seedling anywhere in the park. See the details ([http://www.parkatgovernordick.org/-plant-a-legacy--program.html](http://www.parkatgovernordick.org/-plant-a-legacy--program.html) ). Governor Dick provides the seedling and I have a trowel for planting, a bag to hold the seedling and gloves in my car to loan to anyone that is interested in planting a seedling during or after a hike. I think this is a nice thing to do to in honor or in memory of a loved one. Please let me know in advance if you would like to do this and we can both arrive at least 10 minutes before hike time to select a tree.

**Winter Hiking Suggestion:** I recommend some sort of micro-spikes for winter hiking in snow and ice. Microspikes have a rubber piece that stretches over your hiking boots and 12-20 small metal spikes that cover the soles of your boots for traction. I checked on Amazon and the original Micro-Spikes by Kahtoola ([Kahtoola-MICROspikes](https://www.amazon.com/Kahtoola-MICROspikes-Footwear-Traction-2015/dp/B00RXXM42E/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=unigear+cleats&qid=1667958838&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&smid=A1TEXT82G6IFT0)) are selling for $74.95. The “almost as good” knockoffs by Unigear ([Unigear-Traction](https://www.amazon.com/Unigear-Traction-Walking-Jogging-Climbing/dp/B07CKHQ71C/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=unigear+cleats&qid=1667960133&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1)) are $22.99.

**Coronavirus measures:** Do not hike if you have symptoms.

**Dogs are welcome**:
• One dog per hiker.
• Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times.
• The owner must comply if another hiker requests that the dog be kept away from them.
• The owner must pick up after their dog and properly dispose of it.

**Consider joining Governor Dick**
[http://www.parkatgovernordick.org/support.html](http://www.parkatgovernordick.org/support.html)

**Events at Governor Dick**
[http://www.parkatgovernordick.org/calendar.html](http://www.parkatgovernordick.org/calendar.html)

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Governor Dick Social Hike

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Governor Dick Social Hike

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