Casual Hike to Tom's Pond via Constable Bridge

We will meet on the other side of Batsto Village from the Visitor’s Center, near the trailhead of the Yellow Trail. We will walk up the Mullica River Road. Be prepared for pockets of sugar sand. We will cross the Mullica River via Constable Bridge and head south on the Mullica River Trail (aka Yellow Trail), to the intersection of Tom’s Pond Trail (aka Orange Trail), just after crossing Mechescatauxin Creek. At the intersection, we will head north on Tom’s Pond Trail and do the small loop before heading back (south) on the Orange Trail and turn left (north) on the Yellow Trail, once again crossing Constable Bridge, before heading south on Batsto River Road (be prepared for pockets of sugar sand). We will walk up to the old mill and dam before turning around and head back to the vehicles.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: I'm estimating it to be 6 miles
Expected Speed (Casual does not mean slow): 24 -26 minute miles on wooded trail and sandy roads.

Number of planned breaks: dependent on temperature but 3-4. One at Tom's Pond will be longer 15 minutes to eat. I suggest bringing something to sit on.

Bathrooms: There is one in the middle of the village. It is a few minutes walk from where a re parking, so if planning to use, make sure you allot time. We will not be walking past as a group till the end.

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 started in October, so it is a good idea to wear blaze orange.

Please arrive at least 10 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.