Due to icy trail conditions last week, we postponed the Groundhog Hike. But we’re gearing up for it this SUNDAY, FEB. 13. Come on out for an invigorating hike with plenty of time to head home and tune in to the Superbowl! (Go Joe !)
Presented in honor of founder and friend John Knouse, this year’s hike is an in-person event hosted by Athens Conservancy and Friends of Strouds Run.
The fun kicks off around noon at Strouds Run State Park, where we’ll gather at the Bobcat Shelter (enter the park from Strouds Run Road, and the shelter marked #2 is near the boat launch). Enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks, and warm up by our wood-burning fire.
Then have fun heading out on the trails! You can choose from three guided hikes through the beautiful winter woods (a longer trek and a shorter version), led by our expert guides. Or explore the trails on your own with maps we’ll have on hand. See below for hike descriptions.
Meet back at the shelter at 2:45 pm for a raffle drawing, with prizes provided by Cabela’s.
Hikes:
Longer hike: leaves at 12:30 pm and 1 pm. This 2.75-mile guided hike starts at the Bobcat shelter (near the boat launch). Your adventure begins on Broken Rock Trail with a steep climb to the ridgetop (280′ in elevation). A wooded path follows the ridgeline with stunning panoramic views of surrounding topography. You will join the Sundown Trail for a lower elevation on the return journey with many views of Dow Lake.
Shorter hike: leaves at 1:30 pm. This 1-mile guided hike departs Bobcat shelter, and begins with a 0.1 mile climb up Broken Rock to the Sundown Trail. The trail remains at this elevation as you follow the contours of the hills with views of the lake a near-constant companion. When you reach the Chestnut Trail you may follow it a short distance to the beach road for an easy, smooth walk back, or turn around for a different perspective of the Sundown Trail as you retrace your steps back to the start.