Twin Cities Hiking Meetup

 
 
 

We welcome you to join us on a Wednesday afternoon hike around Isles, Cedar, & Brownie Lakes. The NOAA weather prediction as of Friday morning calls for a Wednesday high of 40 degrees. Hiking boots & gaiters, or maybe even overshoes :-) are recommended as we will be hiking on some non-cleared earthen paths around Cedar.

We'll meet at 1pm next to the covered for the winter water fountain located at the SE corner of Lake of the Isles next to the intersection of Lake of the Isles & Bde Maka Ska Blvds. (2920 Lake of the Isles Blvd, GPS:[masked], [masked])

Once we're 2/3 of the way around Isles we'll head to the right through the neighborhood to cross over the rr tracks to hidden beach on Cedar at which point we'll hike counter clockwise around Cedar on non-cleared earthen paths until we reach the Cedar Lake Pkwy bridge at which point well squeeze through the opening in the fence, cross the rr tracks, hike around Brownie, then back across the tracks to continue on our way around Cedar to Isles and back to our start point. Punch Pizza will be an option at the end of the hike.

Expect a combination of paved and probably cleared sidewalks around Isles, non-cleared earthen paths around the NE side of Cedar as well as around Brownie followed by cleared sidewalks around the west side of Cedar through to our start point at the water fountain. I'll be wearing hiking boots and gaiters. See you Saturday at 1PM at the Isles water fountain. If you're running late, you may call me at[masked] (cell) Let it ring for awhile as I'll have to dig it out of my bill fold in my front pocket.

 
 
 

All are welcome to a unique hike setting and time. This Wednesday evening hike is intended to satisfy the needs of the mid-week hiker seeking a full aerobic workout. This hike starts at Lebanon Hills West Regional Park Mountain Bike Trailhead in Eagan MN. It follows an established 3.9 mile trail that encircles the mountain bike park. The route is very hilly so thus the aerobic nature of the hike even though it is relatively short in length. The pace will be moderate so hope to see you there!

Equipment:
Headlight (recommended)
Weather appropriate clothing
Hiking poles (optional)
Boot crampons/grippers..."Required"...see an example below...
https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Crampons-Stainless-Climbing-Mountaineering/dp/B07H4H7MKR/ref=asc_df_B07H4H7MKR/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312123657341&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6759487446410332436&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019557&hvtargid=pla-568994096801&ref=&adgrpid=60656852805&th=1&psc=1

** By signing up for this hike, you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being and release Twin Cities Hiking Group hikers, organizers, events organizers, and members from any (and all) personal injury and property damage liability**.

Most hikers are familiar with Lebanon Hills West Regional Park. See map for directions.

**Download STRAVA (free app) to track, map and share your workout progress with the others.

 
 
 

Important Note: start time is 6:00pm Let's meet at 5:45pm to get acquainted. We will begin hiking at 6:00pm promptly. We are hoping the later time will allow all of us to be on time. if you are late you can head down the sidewalk by the road from the visitor center, you may run into us. Hoping the trails are dryer so wear can wear some tennis shoes. But if there has been a recent rain boots are suggested. You may want to start packing water and bug repellant (and possibly sunscreen) soon.

In fall and winter it is suggested to bring a flashlight or headlamp, make sure to wear appropriate clothing. Once the unpaved trails are groomed for cross country skiing, we will not use them, instead we will go on the ungroomed trails.

The visitor center closes at 9pm, but restrooms are available if you use the side door on the left side of the building. Not sure when the visitor center is open later for the season.

The hike is about 3-3.3 miles and about 60-75 minutes.

French Regional Park has both paved and unpaved trails with various lengths and difficulty, some of which are lighted seasonally. The unpaved trails are 100% open but are soft and muddy in spots. Please plan accordingly. Depending on the group and amount of rain, we might walk primarily on paved paths. Recommended items to bring include comfortable but sturdy hiking footwear, insect repellent, drinking water, and a snack. I'd also bring along a change of clothing and rain gear just in case it's needed. If you cannot handle hiking where mosquitoes are present, you might want to avoid this hike. EXPECTATIONS FOR ATTENDING THIS EVENT: Event Cancellations I will cancel in the event of a severe weather warning, nuclear holocaust, or other unsafe hiking conditions. If cancellation occurs, I will send an email to everyone who signed up and update this event page. Please check your email and this page before heading out if in doubt!! Everyone hikes at their own risk As with life, hiking has risks associated with it. You assume all personal responsibility and liability for being a part of this event. **This is an adult only hike. Hope you can attend!

Photo description: scenic Plymouth mountains

 
 
 

Please join me for a Thursday hike originating at Minnehaha Falls. We'll cover a little over six miles, heading toward Fort Snelling and back, generally along the Mississippi River. We'll focus on enjoying one another's company as well as appreciating our natural surroundings. The pace will be fairly brisk, somewhere around 16-minutes miles. (If you are not sure how fast that is, assume it is pretty fast).

Bring a headlamp or flashlight. Once the snow falls, grippers are highly recommended.

Meet at the falls side of Sea Salt Restaurant (which is now closed for the season). Parking is available in the neighborhood north of the park.