Tom Cox and Allan Carleton will help lead the hiking group Friday at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

For The Vista

This Friday, Nov. 2, the Fairfield Glade Hiking Group will hike in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

There are many great hikes in this area.  This hike is called Leatherwood Ford Loop.

The group will go up hill at the beginning and down hill as we come out.  They will see two rock houses and one overlook of the Big South Fork River Valley.

At this time of year they will see a lot of flora.  Bring snacks and water for the trail as they will eat lunch after the hike in the gazebo which is at the end of the loop.

Difficulty:  This is an easy plus to moderate hike at 3.3 miles.  There is a 450-foot elevation gain, but many forgiving switchbacks. There are a few rocks and roots and as always boots are recommended.

Hiking has risks and safety is a high priority on every outing.  Hazards include uneven trails, drop-offs, slippery rocks, stream crossings, wildlife encounters, auto accidents, and more.

The hiking group assumes no collective or individual liability for any mishaps.  Hiking is at your own risk.  Participants in the hikes should be in good physical condition.  Walking on paved and level surfaces does not compare with hiking on uneven trails with elevation gains and losses.  Please assess your level of fitness to the difficulty of the hikes so that you can keep up with the group.

Hikers should wear good sturdy hiking boots, be prepared for changes in temperature and weather, carry a day pack with first aid gear, bring insect repellent, and take plenty of water to drink.

Be aware of your personal health and know your abilities and limitations. Everybody is different.  You are responsible for your own safety.

There is a sheet on the bulletin board across from the Fairfield Glade Post Office for people to sign up for the trip.

The group will depart from the parking lot closest to the 4-way stop sign in Fairfield Glade at the corner of Peavine and Stonehenge at 8 A.M. SHARP.  Please be there between 7:30 A.M. and 7:45 A.M. to receive information and form carpools.

If you ride with someone else to and from the trip the policy is to reimburse the driver for gas.  The amount to reimburse the driver for this trip is $9 per person.  Please have the correct amount.

This is a beautiful time of year to be outdoors.  If you have any questions, please call the leaders of the hike Tom Cox at 459-2309 or Pam Westerdahl at 309-310-2555.  Please check out their website by going to Google and typing in FFG Hiking.