FFG Hiking Group to travel to Big South Fork April 1
By MARION M. MINER
On Friday, April 1 the Fairfield Glade Hikers will drive to the Big South Fork area to hike the Middle Creek Loop Trail in which we will pass by several beautiful rock shelters. We will see some overhanging deposits of limestone. It can be a damp trail and we may see a lot of vegetation. The distance of the trail is 3.5 miles and is rated easy. There are no extended elevation gains or losses. Bring a snack for the trail and also bring lunch as we will drive to Pickett State Park after the hike to eat lunch at the pavilion.
Difficulty: This is an easy hike at 3.5 miles. However, all trails can have roots and rocks so be careful. Boots are always 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 during the hike.
There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board across from the Fairfield Glade Post Office for each hike. The group will depart from the parking lot closest to the 4-way stop sign in FFG at the corner of Peavine and Stonehenge at 8:00am SHARP. Please be there between 7:30am and 7:45am to receive information and form carpools. If you ride with someone else to and from the hike the policy is to reimburse the driver for gas. The amount to reimburse the driver for this hike is $8.00 per person. Please have the correct amount. We plan to be back to The Glade by approximately 2:00pm.
If you have any questions please call the leaders of the hike Dick and Sharon Moreland at 456-1365. Please check out our web site, http://sites.google.com/site/ffghiking/Home.