ROCKWOOD RESERVATION DOG HIKE

PLEASE READ ENTIRE WRITEUP.

Very scenic. A couple of small caves. Trails are gravel and some paved. Mostly level-ish with 2 hills to climb. A bit of a workout, but it probably won't kill you if you're in reasonably decent shape.

We will hike the Quarry Trails. First the Rock Quarry and then the Trail Among the Trees. Rated Easy to Moderate. We will go to the small cave on the Rock Hollow. Mud here. Maybe we'll get to see the waterfall...depends on how much rain we get overnight.

We hike in a light rain, but not thunderstorm. Watch website in morning, if weather threatens.

NO CELL RECEPTION AT PARKING LOT! If you're late or lost, we cannot help you. Driving directions below...read them. Please revise your RSVP by 9 a.m. if you're not coming.

Our pace will be relaxed but moderate. We will stop whenever necessary to water the dogs or look at the scenery. Don't be in a hurry, just enjoy the day. If you're a power hiker, you probably won't like this hike or this group.

FOOTWEAR: Hiking boots strongly recommended but not required. Wear something with treads, there are hills and some loose rock.

Total of about 4 miles on 2 trails, figure 2.5 hours.

BRING WATER FOR YOUR DOG & YOURSELF. We will stop at the spring-fed creek between each leg of the hike, but there's no watering holes on the ridgetops.

TREATS: Please, don't bring treats for your dog. If you must give your dog treats, walk away from the group and don't let other dogs have treats. We've had dog fights in the past over this, don't want it to happen again. Please respect this rule.

SHORT LEASH, as always. No retractables. Please stay to the RIGHT when we pass others.

NO GUEST DOGS. Our events are for member dogs only.

Human guest are welcome, but you're encouraged to just come and socialize with other group members.

YOUR RSVP: Our RSVPs for this event open 1st of month before the hike. Because, let's face it, no on knows what they're doing 3 months in advance. And, please keep your RSVP updated so we don't all stand around a parking lot waiting for you. Our group hates "No Shows"

We hike in a light/moderate rain. Watch website if weather threatens. We usually don't cancel a hike until the morning of.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS :

We hit the trail promptly at 10:00, with or without you. Arrive early and be ready to go by then.

NO CELL RECEPTION at the parking lot...know before you go.

Hwy 109 from either 44 or Manchester/100. Turn west on WOODS AVENUE, about halfway between 44 and 100. There are brown signs with white letters just before the turn on Woods.

Park entrance is about 500' off Hwy 109, gates on your right. Meet at Education Center parking lot, about 1.5 miles up into park just past bridge/restrooms.

YOU CANNOT ACCESS THIS FROM OLD MANCHESTER/NORTH ENTRANCE. IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW WRITTEN DIRECTIONS, YOU'LL BE HIKING ALONE.