Casual Hike at Birch Grove Park in Northfield

We will do what I like to call the 'innards' first. These are short trails that weave in and out and amoung old clay pits. Some of these trails are rooty. There are many small foot bridges. There are ups and downs. There might be some wet crossings. I have waterproof shoes, not boots. If anything is above my ankle we will turn around. This is dependant on recent rain events. I usually get a bit over 3 miles here. We will take a 10-15 minute 'banana' break before hitting the next trails. You can leave the hike here if desired. Then we will do the outer perimeter dirt road which is about 1.7 miles.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: 4.5-5 miles
Expected Speed (Casual does not mean slow): 23-25 minutes per mile
Number of planned breaks: 1 @ 10 -15 minutes
Bathrooms: port-a-potty at start/break/finish

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.

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: Dogs NOT permitted at Birch Grove

• 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.