Peppercorn Hill Conservation Area and Trails - Friday Nov 15 @ 10 AM

This is a 3.5 mile loop trail near Upton, Massachusetts. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, Elevation gain is around 350 feet.

The Peppercorn Hill Conservation Area is located on the east side of Upton near North Pond. The 283 acres area is largely forested with oaks, maple, and pine. It features cold water streams, wetlands, vernal pools, scenic vistas, and stone walls. The western slope of Peppercorn Hill is a remarkable jumble of boulders deposited by glaciers more than 10 thousand years ago. A National Grid powerline easement passes through the property and the shrub habitat maintained by the easement provides excellent songbird and butterfly habitat.

We will start out on a trail in Hopkinton and enter the conservation area in Upton from there.

Trail Map can be seen here.

https://www.uptonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/718/Peppercorn-Trail-Map-JPG?bidId=

Remember the rules:

Feel free to bring a friend, but make sure they first join the group and sign up for the event.
Please be on time so that everyone is ready to leave from the parking lot at 10 AM
If you sign up for an event but will not be attending, change your response ASAP so that others can attend and we are not waiting for you.
Check Meetup for cancellations and changes in meeting times and locations before each event.
You are all adults and are expected to make decisions about your own safety and physical abilities.
Wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water.
Move to the side for oncoming walkers on narrow trails.
If you decide to return to your car early or leave the group for any other reason, tell someone.
If you are struggling or need assistance, tell someone.
Be friendly. Be social. Have fun.
Extreme weather will cancel this event.

Safety Disclaimer

In registering for this event, you assume all risks when participating, certify that you are physically fit to participate, and have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person. All participants must use care and good judgment, and must obey all instructions, rules, and regulations of the venue and local authorities.

Liability Waiver:

As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code described at www.hikesafe.com(http://www.hikesafe.com/); the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you for yourself, your heirs, executors, and administrators release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons.