Charlotte Piedmont Hiking Club

I will be hosting a local Charlotte hike at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve/Park on Friday, November 15 at 2:30 PM. We will hike a 4.5 Mile Loop starting at the Parking Lot Near Softball Field #1. This is the first parking lot on the LEFT when you enter the park (circled in RED on the image for this event).

This hike is considered Easiest based on Shenandoah's Hiking Difficulty Formula with a Numerical Rating of about 30. It should be generally suitable for anyone who enjoys walking. Mostly level or with a slight incline. Please note that we will be walking at a medium pace. Please make sure that you will be able to keep up.

I would like to keep this group small as I believe in keeping groups small to ensure we do not cause too much disruption or damage to trails. Please message me if you have any questions regarding this hiking event.

Saturday afternoon should reach close to 70 and have abundant sunshine, so let’s hike the middle trails at Latta Nature Preserve, north of Charlotte in Huntersville.

The plan is to hike a combination of three or four trails. Three are rated easy and one is moderate. We’ll start with the easy, mostly equestrian trails that although having a few hills are pretty smooth and don’t have much in terms of roots. There are many viewing spots along these trails where we’ll see Mountain Island Lake on both the south and north sides of the preserve. This portion will be 3.25 miles and will end back at the parking lot. We can end the hike or do another 1 mile moderate hike with many up and downhills and tree roots.

With attending this hike you agree to hike at your own risk and Charlotte Piedmont Hiking Club and it’s leaders are not liable for any injuries or mishaps.

Dogs on 6-foot leash welcome on this hike, as long as they are well behaved around horses (in case we encounter some.)
Bring water and wear good walking shoes or hiking boots.

Before arriving at the parking lot you may want to use the restrooms in the Quest Nature Center near the entrance to the Nature Preserve.

Use the link in this event for the address.
You can also use:
6050 Sample Rd (this is an approximate address, but it should get you close)
Huntersville, NC 28078
Pass the Horse Trailer Lot on right and take the next right into Beechwood Trail parking lot

Let's start the week with a hike at Crowders Mountain State Park on Monday, November 18 at 9 AM. We will hike a 4.4 Mile Loop starting at the Parking Lot of the LINWOOD ROAD ACCESS. Please make sure to go to the Crowders Mountain State Park Linwood Road Access Parking Lot.

This hike is considered Moderate based on Shenandoah's Hiking Difficulty Formula with a Numerical Rating of about 77. According to SHD Formula, it should be generally suitable for novice hikers who want a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve a moderate incline and may have some steeper sections. Generally 3 to 5 miles.

Please note that from my experience, I think this is more challenging for the novice hiker. There are some steep climbs and rocky terrain. We will be walking at a medium pace. Please make sure that you will be able to keep up.

I would like to keep this group small as I believe in keeping groups small to ensure we do not cause too much disruption or damage to trails. Please message me if you have any questions regarding this hiking event.

Join us for our weekly 5 mile evening greenway hike. We're a group of hikers that have been meeting once a week on the greenway to get a mid week evening hike in since 2018. Some come out to socialize and some come out to get more into the outdoors. Those that seek it can find help with trail suggestions, gear and backpacking tips that we all share.
Preparing for an upcoming hike/ backpacking trip or just want to increase your fitness level? Join the members of the group using this hike as a weekly ruck workout.

REMINDER: Please bring along a headlamp or flashlight since it may get dark during the ruck.

Rucking Information:
Featured in Ballantyne Magazine: https://tinyurl.com/yy6bxx4v
Quick Overview:
• Load up your backpack
• Increase the weight 2-3 lbs a week
• First time? Carry at least 5-10 lbs
• Bring a headlamp and rain jacket
• Stay to the right or center on the path
• Pace: brisk walk for 5 miles
***
• What Is Rucking?
It's adding weight to a backpack and then moving at a brisk walking pace. This helps us train for backpacking trips.
• What We'll Do
We’ll ruck on the greenway for 5 miles. We tend to move around the same pace (17 minute miles or so) and socialize during the outing.
• Goals
An average person carries 25 lbs on an overnight trip. Your goal should be to build up to 30-35 lbs. Some believe it's unwise to ruck with more weight than this. Do so at your own risk.
• Health Benefits
Burn up to 3x the calories vs. walking
Low impact on your knees
Become faster on regular hikes,
Lessen pain on backpacking trips
Strengthens your shoulders, core and back
• More on Rucking:
http://tinyurl.com/morerucking
• Your Starting Pack Weight for New Ruckers
No more than 10 % of your body weight to start.
5-10 lbs = You're comfortable doing moderate to strenuous hikes.
15 lbs and up = You backpack, play sports or do strength training.
----- YOUR BACKPACK -----
• Put Your Ruck Together by Bringing:
Backpack = any used or basic backpack works to start.
Weight = duct taped loose Ziploc bags of sand work the best. Workout weights and water can work too.
Cushion = make the weight more comfortable by using towels to take up volume on the bottom
• Make Your Own Sandbags.
Buy a 50 lb bag of sand from a hardware store. Pour into various sized ziplock bags. Next ductape the bags but not too tight or they will be uncomfortable. A set of 1 lb, 2, 3, 5, 10 , 10, and 10 works well.
Household items for weight in a pinch:
1 lb: can of soup or beans
2 lb: small bag of rice
3 lb: bag of apples
8 lb: gallon of water
more = https://tinyurl.com/y6akh8dr
----- GEAR UPGRADES -----
• Shoes and Rain Suit
Shoes = running shoes work fine on the greenway. Trail runners and boots may not be suited for concrete parts of the trail but their grip is well suited if it rains.
Optional Rain Suit = $20 Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite Suit, they run big
• As You Carry More Than 20 lbs Consider Adding..

• Black Superfeet insoles
• Ultralight Backpack = capacity up to 30 - 35lb. I like these for most of our 1-2 day group backpacking trips. http://tinyurl.com/ultralightpack

• Carry More than 35 lbs? Consider Adding...

• Green Superfeet insoles
• Packs like an Osprey Aether 70 that can carry 35 - 60 lbs. Larger capacity packs are ideal for week long backpacking trips.

----- PARK RULES AND HEALTH -----
• Dogs / Trail Etiquette

• Well behaved dogs are welcome. The park requires a 6 foot leash + must stay to the right.
• While on the trail please leave space on the left for runners and bikers that share the greenway with us.

• Those with Injuries/Health Issues
Check with your doctor if you are unsure about doing this excercise. It should not be assumed that leaders are certified in CPR/personal training. Any advice is from our experience as a hiker/backpacker.
----- ANYTHING ELSE ? -----
• Feel free to send me a Direct Message on Meetup.