Casual Hike at Forsythe Galloway

The Birdsong Trail also known as the Bristow Trail is about 5 miles, but we'll only be doing 3 of them. We will be taking the second early out, stopping at the Experimental Pond Overlook and time permitting walking down Gull Pond Road to the look out tower.

Since I am an annual pass holder ($12), I often forget that there is a daily fee. Pedestrians and bicyclists have a daily rate of $2.00. If you want to drive around Wildlife Drive it is $4.00 (which also covers walking). The office is only open Wednesday-Sunday 10:00-2:00. But they do provide envelopes and a drop box. I have included a link for more information. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe/visit-us

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: 3 miles or 4.5 miles
Expected Speed (Casual does not mean slow): 24 minute miles aka moderate

Number of planned breaks: 2, one at Overlook and one at the tower
Bathrooms: permanent pit toilets at edge of parking lot.

Be sure to bring water, even in the cold. I also recommend at least a snack for the break or lunch.

Be sure to be prepared for the weather.

Hunting season starts in October, so it is a good idea to wear blaze orange.

Please arrive a few minutes ahead of time to sign in and use the bathroom.
I start the safety talk 5 minutes before and then start.

Take your preferred tick, chigger, and flying insect precautions.

I drive a dark blue/gray Toyota Sienna minivan. I wear a skirt.

Any questions ahead of time, email [email protected]. Problems the day of, you can text 609-742-8803.

Constant rain, wind chills below 25, heat index above 85 degrees, or other nasty weather of the same ilk cancels. If above 60 degrees and only isolated showers or mist, hike will be on but may be modified.

The nitty gritty:

• Dogs: I’m neutral. Your well behaved, leashed dog is welcome to hike with me at the back of the group. It is YOUR responsibility to determine/confirm that dogs are permitted on a specific trail. If you plan to bring your dog, please note it in the comments such that people who prefer not to hike with dogs are aware.
• Why do I often title my hikes as casual? Because my pace varies on how I’m feeling and the makeup of the group that day. Unless I title my hike as slow, my pace falls within the moderate level, whether I’m using my rollator, hiking sticks or pushing a stroller. My distances are generally short to mid range. I also like to look at nature, take time for photos, spot interesting things and don’t mind stopping for comfort breaks. If you want to go fast, you picked the wrong leader/hike.
• As anyone who has hiked with me in the past knows, I have Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently depending on which nerves are being attacked. I have been blessed to have had somewhat mild symptoms. The location, types of hikes, distance, and pace that I choose are generally based on my current symptoms, if any. Occasionally, I will need to adjust a route or take more frequent breaks. If appropriate, I may use hiking sticks or a rollator.
• If a hike is titled as a family hike expect at least one of my elementary school aged children to be accompanying me. The pace will be on the slow end of moderate.
• If a hike is labeled as slow, not just casual, expect the hike to be slow not moderate.