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Outdoor Adventure Friends

Norristown, PA, US

2,413 members · Public group

Organized by Brian Klein and 13 others

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What we’re about

Welcome to Outdoor Adventure Friends.
This group will be all about getting outside.
Biking, hiking, kayaking, etc. Maybe go on a camping trip at some point.
We are open to anyone joining as long as you're interested in the great outdoors.
Please have a clear picture of just yourself in your profile so we know who to look for.
By signing up for any event you take personal responsibility for your own safety.

Upcoming events (4+)

Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 8:45 AM EDTRicketts Glen Falls, etc ADVENTURE. 16 and 19 mile exploratory options.
Rt. 118 Trailhead Parking, Sweet Valley, PA
** NOT a beginner hike, sorry......experienced hikers only**
** New info added 3/28/25. Please see below and read carefully**

Ricketts Glen Falls loop is considered by many to be the single best waterfall hike in the eastern United States. We will pass by numerous named waterfalls, the highest being 94' Ganoga Falls. This trail is in the "Most Difficult" category according to the park website. But that is not enough- we will be adding the Bull Dozer trail to our adventure as well. Another rated difficult trail.

Original Post:
Our total distance on this moderate + pace hike will be 16 miles with 2,600' of elevation. Given the astounding beauty along the way, we will take a few "pauses" along the way for pics, etc....Please enjoy all this place to offer, but keep in mind we have to balance the enjoyment of the falls with our goal of 16 miles. In other words don't expect a "picnic" at each waterfall...lol

*** NEW INFO AS OF 3/28/25***
I came across an interesting article yesterday, long after my original posting. It involves escarpments and an area known as Jigsaw cave. Sounded super cool to explore and it is not too far from my original loop. Here is an article about it to read: Jigsaw Cave.

I have been mapping various changes and options to the original plan to incorporate exploring this area while we are in the area. My goal is to build in flexibility and balance to this day so we all have the best possible experience. Here are 2 options we (you) have:

1. Original route of 16 miles and 2,600' of elevation. Highlights are the falls, Bulldozer trail and vista.
2. Original route plus venturing out to cave area pushes hike to 19 miles and 2,900' of elevation. Highlights are the falls, Bulldozer trail, vista, escarpments and the cave. This will involve a little exploratory searching per the article, but sure we can find out given the info I have. This will be a fairly long day, but well worth it!

Note those not not wishing to not explore the additional three can break off at top of Bulldozer loop and head back to parking lot.

I am hoping we all , or most of us stay together as a unit. It may be that we break into 2 at some point based upon the above. I can quickly figure that out before the hike in the parking lot or you will have the option on the fly when we turn towards the exploratory portion of the hike (referencing option 2).
I suggest downloading Alltrails, Gaia or some other mapping device on your phone should you need it for this day.

Lastly, PLEASE pack some patience this day as folks will want to take pics of waterfalls and a portion of the hike near the cave is exploratory.

GEAR REQUIRED:
1- Proper footwear- hiking boots or trail runners
2- Appropriate clothing for conditions: layers, wind and rain protection based upon forecast. Extra socks for wet weather hikes or hikes with stream crossings.
3- WATER or other source of hydration; food/snacks as needed
4- Electrolytes suggested
5- Hiking poles and backpacks as needed.
6- Sunscreen and bug spray as desired

WEATHER: Will only cancel if heavy rain or steady rain with lower temps. Need the mileage, so will plan to go unless "miserable" out.

PARKING AND MEETING LOCATION:
We will park and meet at Rt 118 trailhead parking lot. See Meetup PIN. This place gets crowded, so early start time is critical
We start on time, so familiarize yourself ahead of time and plan accordingly.

GUEST and ATTENDANCE POLICY: All attendees must be members of Outdoor Adventure Friends. This is for communication purposes to ensure that those in attendance understand exactly what they are signing up for. Please be courteous and change your rsvp in a timely fashion if you can no longer attend an event. Repeated no shows or a history of signing up and dropping off excessively when there is a waitlist will exclude you from being moved off of future waitlists and special events
PLEASE NOTE: I cannot respond to calls, texts, emails, messages on meetup, or comments on the event page once we start hiking. Please plan accordingly.
NOTICE: Meetup organizers are not professionally trained. By attending an event you are agreeing that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. No member of the group EXCEPT YOURSELF can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while hiking with us.
21 attendees+16
Mon, Apr 28, 2025, 5:30 PM EDTFast Five Mile Hike (Not Slow) Moderate - Advanced 800-1000ft
Artillery Park, Valley Forge Park, Valley Forge, PA
We will be doing a fast but fun hike at Valley Forge. I've had several people mention 5:15 is difficult to arrive after work, so Note the new Start Time of 5:30. With the later start time, we won't wait as long, so please try to be on time. This week we'll get in about 5 - 6 miles and 800 – 1000ft of elevation gain at a decent pace (apprx. 3.0-3.3 mph) Moderate - Advanced level, along the trails of Mt Joy and Mt. Misery.

Best to wear hiking boots or trail running shoes as we'll be on dirt trails with rocks and tree roots, not paved paths.

Definitely recommend hydrating before the hike and bring plenty of water and a snack.

Bring your speedy shoes

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a static length leash at all times.

By signing up you accept responsibility for your own safety.
5 attendees
Wed, Apr 30, 2025, 6:15 PM EDT Manayunk Hillzzz and stairzzzz FITNESS hike
Cadence Cycling Centers- Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA
** 6:15pm SHARP departure**

We will tackle the Manayunk hillzzzzzz and stepzzzzz with GRIT! MUST LOVE STEPS AND HILLS to attend. This is a little grueling, but fun and always filled with great people energy.

Please keep the following in mind:

1. this will be more on the intense side and very little stopping along the way. Not for beginners. This IS a YOU MIGHT GET DROPPED TYPE OF HIKE. However, there are several bail out spots if you are on the fence and want to get out of your comfort zone. Not all hikes offer this ability...."IF IT DOESN'T CHALLENGE YOU, IT DOESN'T CHANGE YOU"
2. pace is about 3.2-3.5 on flats and little slower on steps. We move quickly and I do my best to balance the group in terms of keeping everyone moving.
3. this hike is not about distance. About intensity and challenging yourself. Heart rates will be up. Will be some flats and downhills to bring your heart rate down in between the inclines.

We will be done hiking by 8:30 pm so plan on about 2 straight hours of working your legs and lungs. Afterwards we may head to a local food/drink establishment in Manayunk.

Gear required: Sneakers are ok for this hike. Reflective clothing is a good idea if you have it.

Weather: It is ago unless heavy, steady rain.

Parking/Meetup spot: we will meet in the Cadence Cycling parking lot located at 3740 Main St. in Manayunk. We will meet at the opposite end. Look for a big metal raiload truss with a Manayunk sign in front of it. THERE ARE NOW TOWING SIGNS THROUGHOUT THE LOT. No one has had any issues, but use your own judgement. There is free parking in street in front of lot. Also street parking on the street near the Wissahickon train station. Simply walk through tunnel and down steps to the lot.

There is also public transportation available. The septa regional rail Wissahickon train station is one staircase away from this lot.

Guest policy: All attendees must join Outdoor Adventure Friends. IT IS FREE. This is for communication purposes and to ensure all attendees know EXACTLY what they signing up for. Only exception is if a friend or family member is visiting from out of town and you take full responsibility for them.

Please note: I cannot respond to calls, texts, emails, messages on meetup, or comments on the event page once we start hiking. Plan accordingly. I highly advise allowing extra time for arrival to avoid last minute chaos....:)

NOTICE: Meetup organizers are not professionally trained. By attending an event you are agreeing that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AT ALL TIMES. No member of the group EXCEPT YOURSELF can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, or liabilities incurred while hiking with us.
19 attendees+14
Mon, May 5, 2025, 5:30 PM EDTFast Five Mile Hike (Not Slow) Moderate - Advanced 800-1000ft
Artillery Park, Valley Forge Park, Valley Forge, PA
We will be doing a fast but fun hike at Valley Forge. Note the new Start Time of 5:30. With the later start time, we won't wait as long, so please try to be on time. This week we'll get in about 5 - 6 miles and 800 – 1000ft of elevation gain at a decent pace (apprx. 3.0-3.3 mph) Moderate - Advanced level, along the trails of Mt Joy and Mt. Misery.

Best to wear hiking boots or trail running shoes as we'll be on dirt trails with rocks and tree roots, not paved paths.

Definitely recommend hydrating before the hike and bring plenty of water and a snack.

Bring your speedy shoes

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a static length leash at all times.

By signing up you accept responsibility for your own safety.
2 attendees

Past events (267)

Wed, Apr 23, 2025, 6:00 PM EDTHills of the Wissahickon training hike ..8+ miles, 1,300' elevation, quick pace
This event has passed
22 attendees+17

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