Casual hike at Corson’s Inlet and Crooked Horn Creek

From website: 'This State Park has scenic beauty and endless opportunities for observing a multitude of migratory and residential wildlife species. Corson's Inlet State Park was established in 1969 to help protect and preserve one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along the state's oceanfront. The area's natural habitats are rich in diversity with primary and secondary sand dune systems, shoreline over wash, marine estuaries and upland areas in which a great variety of wildlife species live and breed. We will see the effects of constant salt water being blown onto trees. They are all shorter than normal, sometimes called pigmy.

We will take the Yellow trail then turn north on the Red Trail and then head out to the beach and walk into the residential area of Ocean City. We will walk along Asbury Avenue for about 8 blocks before turning West on 51st street which will take us to the Crooked Horn Trailhead. This trail does flood a bit due to tides so shoes that can get wet are best. Take this old railroad siding out to the channel before turning around and head back to Corsons Inlet SP via Bay Avenue.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: 5-5.5 miles
Expected Speed (Casual does not mean slow): 24-26 minutes per mile
Number of planned breaks: 2, 1 short, 1 long for food!
Bathrooms: none in off season.

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

Be sure to be prepared for the weather.

Hunting season starts in October, so it is a good idea to wear blaze orange. No hunting here (other for fish).

Please arrive 10 minutes ahead of time to sign in. 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.