Wednesday, December 25
Hank and Rolande will co-lead.
9:30 AM
8 miles, moderate terrain, with an early out option for a 5.75 mile total hike
Pace: Moderate (the regular pace of the DeCicco-Gordon WedHikers cohort) (1 1/2 to 2 miles an hour).
🚗 Parking GPS: 41.22978,-74.06042
To make sure that we have a core of hikers on a day that many have family commitments, an early RSVP is requested.
Hike Details: Starting where the SBM trail crosses Kanawauke Road, we’ll proceed south on the SBM (yellow) for several miles, passing the ORAK ruins, crossing the Long Path (blue), passing Big Hill Shelter on our right and then, somewhat later, Third Reservoir on our left. The main group will continue on SBM past Third Reservoir, while early out hikers can take a left on the unblazed woods road just before Third Reservoir (more details for early out are below). Shortly after, the main group will go left on a different unblazed woods road (shown on Avenza as Woodtown Road) which meanders, then passes First Reservoir, and then crosses the Long Path (blue) before the woods road splits again; this time we’ll go right (also unblazed), which will soon thereafter bring us back to the SBM (yellow). At the SBM, we’ll turn right to go back to our starting point; a bit over 8 miles total.
Early out option: Just before the Third Reservoir (about 60-80 minutes into the hike), go left onto the unblazed woods road that proceeds past the Second and First Reservoirs, then another left at an unblazed but well-maintained woods road (the first woods road past the First Reservoir), and then following directions as above – about 5.75 miles total. If you are considering an early out, please have a mapping app such as Avenza, or the Trails Conference paper map. Also, please keep in mind that if you take an early out, you are considered to have left the organized hike voluntarily.
Lunch will likely be at the embankment at the far end (east end) of the Second Reservoir, and we will stop for snacks and bio-breaks as needed. There are no porta-potties at our starting point (or along the route either). Sturdy hiking boots, appropriate layers for a winter's day, and plenty of water and poles are all strongly advised.
AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this hike if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.
Rolande
As noted above, an early RSVP is requested. The pre-hike note, including detailed driving/parking information, will be sent to all signed-up hikers on Tuesday evening.
