2013-12-27

Sports, Recreation & Fun - Valley Forge PA.

*** NEW YEARS DAY!!! ***

*** LATER START TIME ***

C'mon Out and Knock That New Years Eve Hangover Right Out of Your System!

Please Join Me For Some Hardcore Exercise and Outdoor Activity On My First Annual Healthy Happy New Year Hike: New Years Day, Wednesday, January 1st at 10:00 AM at My Favorite Hiking Location...The Beautiful, Scenic Valley Forge National Park.

Hike Starting Location and Rally Point: We'll meet at The Washington's Headquarters Parking Area (GPS: 40.10238, -75.45763) on Valley Forge Rd...1/4 mile up from the intersection of Valley Creek Rd and Valley Forge Rd (aka Route 23 and Route 252). Text/Call me at 484-540-5276 To Coordinate.

If you're using Google Maps and/or Google Navigation you can put Washington's Headquarters in as the destination for turn-by-turn directions right to the parking lot.

Click Link for Map and Directions: http://g.co/maps/xvk9...

The Plan: We'll hike both The Mt Misery and Mt Joy Trails with some additional scenic trails in between. Hike Will Be From 10:15 AM Until About 2:15 PM.

Important Note: This hike is setup so that hikers can easily jump off at various points along the route...if you decide you want to cut your hike shorter or if you've just plain had enough. :)

Hike Trail Map PDF's

- Mount Misery Trail Map

- Mount Joy Trail Map

We'll climb Mt Misery from at least two sides...possibly all three. We'll start out doing a figure 8 loop on The Mt Misery trail and this will include the steep .29 Mile Wolfinger Hill Trail (a great workout). As this will be a figure 8 loop...we may criss-cross The Wolfinger Trail TWICE.

Important Note: Hikers that do not wish to climb The Wolfinger trail can easily continue along The Valley Creek Trail and meet the group at the next intersection point. If you do decide to do it, you should feel free to take your time and climb at your own pace. We always stop at the top of this trail for a rest and water break.

We will traverse deep into the Outer Boundary Trails...a beautiful area deeper in the woods.

We will do some added scenic trails past The Wilcox Library and along both sides of Valley Creek and come out by The Valley Forge Farm / Gen Knox Quarters where you can get some water at the fountain.

After we complete Mt Misery...we will then continue over to The Mt Joy Trail via THE TWISTED TWILIGHT ZONE TRAIL (thanks Cindy).

The Mt Joy Side will include a 15-minute rest stop for snacks near the rest rooms and another water fountain. We will also do a figure 8 loop on the Mt Joy side...climbing up to the peak where the observation tower used to be. The last 2 miles will be 80% flat or downhill as we wind back down the mountain to return to Gen Washington's Headquarters.

Distance: Approx 12 Miles Total

Total Time: Approx +4.0 Hours...NO LATER THAN 2:00 PM!

Hike Level: Moderate/Intermediate (Distance, Hills and Pace)

This hike is for INTERMEDIATE+ Hikers due to distance, hills and the pace (+3 mph avg). Please note that I will ALWAYS stop at various points along the way to let any slower hikers catch up whenever necessary. We leave no hikers behind! ;)

For those not familiar with Mt Misery and Mt Joy...please be prepared for some hills and some rocky terrain on parts of the trails.

Sturdy shoes are recommended. Dress appropriately for weather conditions...including extra layers, gloves, hats, rain gear and Micro Spikes/Yak Trax For Boots.

As weather gets colder, rain will most likely cancel this hike. Severe thunderstorms will definitely cancel this hike (ON BAD WEATHER DAYS I WILL ALWAYS POST A HIKE STATUS IN COMMENTS AROUND 60-90 MINUTES PRIOR TO POSTED HIKE START TIME OR YOU CAN CALL/TEXT ME AT 484-540-5276 FOR AN UPDATE).

As always...PLEASE REMEMBER TO HYDRATE BEFORE THE HIKE AND BRING PLENTY OF WATER, snacks and other essential items you may need.

You may also want to consider bringing a hat, first aid kit, walking stick(s), field guides, binoculars, and a camera.

Dogs: Always Welcome (A Leash Is Recommended)

Note: Please add a comment if you do plan to bring along your pooch OR if you are ALLERGIC so that everyone is made aware in advance and can plan accordingly.

Arrival and Start Times: Please meet us at 9:00 AM for meet and greet introductions, hike overview and then departure at 9:15 AM.

Facilities: There are bathrooms at The Washington's Headquarters Parking Area and toward the beginning of the second half of the hike (Mt Joy Trail). Water Fountains Are Shut Off For The Winter.

NOTICE: 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.

As always, I want to make it clear that I do plan to lead my hikes always observing Safety First...but also with the intention that these hikes should be fun, enjoyable, relaxing and non-stressful social meetups...with a bit of a work out too.

Let's Go For a Walk! I Look Forward to Seeing You There! ;)

Click the link for directions: http://g.co/maps/xvk9...



Valley Forge, PA 19406 - USA

Wednesday, January 1 at 10:00 AM

Attending: 3

Details: http://www.meetup.com/SportsNFun/events/157196012/

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