Sunday should be a gorgeous 60° autumn day! Join us for this annual fall favorite as we explore the more rustic trails of Wheaton Regional Park (including a log cabin farmstead and scenic lake) en route to the remaining color at Brookside Gardens. Four miles. Casual pace. Optional BYO picnic afterward.

**KEY INFO (please read)**:

***RSVPs***
This event is cross-posted. **Please RSVP with only one group**. Thanks.

***THE START***
We'll meet in front of the carousel/train station at **Wheaton Regional Park**. Please note this is NOT Brookside Gardens. Use **2000 Shorefield Road, Silver Spring, MD** as your GPS address. Take the first right at the end of Shorefield Road.

***THE HIKE***
Our **4-mile loop** route is **rated as easy** and will be a mixture of natural surface and paved trails. Some sections might be muddy, so **hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers** are recommended. Pace will be a **casual 2.5 mph**, with less than **200 feet** of elevation gain. **Restrooms** are available at the hike **midpoint**, but not conveniently located at the start. Please plan accordingly. Unfortunately, **DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED**. (Sorry; it's Brookside's rule, not mine.)

***THE DETAILS***
Posted only once annually, this is among PapaDuck's favorite casual fall hikes! We'll **forego the familiar paths** and instead explore a more rustic and scenic route through Wheaton Regional Park. Our first stop will be **picturesque Pine Lake**, before following a natural surface trail through dense woods to the **Harper Homestead**, a collection of historic log structures near Brookside Nature Center. Next we'll scoot through a "back door" into Brookside Gardens, enjoying an **abundance of late-season flora and fauna** as we wind our way through this botanical gem. Exiting through yet another back gate, we'll depart the gardens and **complete our** **loop hike** back where we started.

***THE PICNIC***
Upon our return to Wheaton Regional Park, we'll take advantage of the **60°** **temperatures** and enjoy incomparable company and conversation during an optional post-hike picnic. If you'll be joining us, please **bring your own food, beverage, and a camp chair** (in case picnic tables are unavailable).

***GRUMPY STUFF***
If you have a history of no-shows or frequent last-minute drops, you will be moved to "not going." Seriously. This ensures access for members who honor their commitments. Thanks.

***HAPPY STUFF***
Thanks for your time and attention. We look forward to seeing you Sunday! :)

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Please note: A "yes" RSVP is your digital signature attesting that you have read, understood, and agreed to the group's Liability Waiver and Release, located here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mD_vRF62MaCBUyVsx_qzi72hCpaZsqr_/view

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SUNDAY: Rustic Fall Hike to Brookside Gardens (w/BYO picnic)

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SUNDAY: Rustic Fall Hike to Brookside Gardens (w/BYO picnic)

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