Name: Intermediate Climbing Hike Series – Horseshoe Trail at Governor Dick
Start: 2024-12-02T10:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-12-02T14:00:00-05:00

This is a series of hikes for intermediate hikers that I will attempt to post on a bi-weekly basis. I am aiming to have hikes that have climbs totaling at least 800 feet or around 8 miles of length. Everyone can climb at their own pace, and we will always stop to regroup after each major climb and at any intersections along the way. All intermediate and advanced hikers are welcome to take part in this hike with the understanding that the pace may be slower than an advanced hiker may prefer.

[My definition of an intermediate hiker for the purposes of this series is that they should be already doing one or two woods hikes of 3-5 miles plus other walking for a total of at least 12 miles per week. Since climbing puts more stress on heart and lungs, a hiker needs to consider whether they are healthy enough to keep up with the group on this hike. If a hiker is already comfortable on shorter climbs on beginner hikes, I recommend trying this series.]

**Pace:** Intermediate (2.5 to 3.0 mph while hiking at constant elevation). We always wait at the top of climbs. Hikers should keep up with the pace elsewhere.
**Distance:** 8 miles
**Terrain:** Forest trails, rocky trail surfaces, and climbs.
**Elevation:** Major climbs = 1,200 feet
**Amenities:** Plenty of parking, bathrooms.
**Qualifications:** All hikers must be members of Day Hikers of Central PA.

This hike will take place during the most dangerous part of PA hunting season so we will hike at Governor Dick, because hunting is prohibited there. We will hike the entire Horseshoe Trail (about 4.5 miles in its new configuration) In Governor Dick. We will start near the entrance to the parking lot and work our way around the park to Old Rte. 72 where the Horseshoe Trail leaves Governor Dick. Then we will hike back to our cars via trail #15 and #4 to give us a total distance of around 8 miles. The Horse-Shoe Trail is a 140-mile hiking and equestrian trail that runs from Valley Forge to the Appalachian Trail near Dauphin, PA. Bring water and a snack or lunch. We will take a snack/lunch break around the midpoint of the hike.

We will **MEET** in the parking lot that adjoins the Governor Dick Environmental Center (sometimes-called Visitor Center) at:

**40.237555,-76.459305**

Enter the coordinates in Google Maps or other GPS software. Please use these coordinates rather than any directions that the Meetup app provides.

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

This is a long hike for many small dogs, but dogs are welcome under the following conditions:
• Each hiker can only bring one dog.
• All dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times. (That is also a rule in Governor Dick.)
• 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.

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Intermediate Climbing Hike Series – Horseshoe Trail at Governor Dick

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Intermediate Climbing Hike Series – Horseshoe Trail at Governor Dick

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