Let's begin 2026 with a hike, grounding exercise & intention burning

New year. New beginnings. Let's make it ours!!

COME HANG OUT and begin 2026 with a first day hike, grounding exercise, and burning ritual. To accommodate the NYE night out, this hike will begin at 1:00pm.

WEATHER: TBD
(this event will be rescheduled if there is inclement weather)

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𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐓: Crowders has a few access points. Be sure to meetup with the group at 𝟓𝟐𝟐 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐄. Do NOT go to the Linwood Road Access.
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1. Crowders Trail to Rocktop Trail Loop is moderately challenging at 6 miles, with an elevation gain of approx 1,000 feet. We will go counterclockwise, which means we traverse through the woods, cross the road, rock scramble a little bit (beginner or pass on the side), and then go up the tower trail, hang out at the lookout, walk down the stairs, and traverse back through the woods.

2. Forest Bathing or Shinrin-Yoku - originating in Japan, forest bathing is the practice of walking slowly and leisurely through the woods or forest, immersing yourself in the natural environment and mindfully using all five senses. We will take 5 minutes of our time once we reach the top Lookout to do a "grounding" session using our 5 senses. You do not have to participate but it is quick and effortless.

3. Burning Ritual - A burning ritual is a powerful tool that can help you manifest your desires or let go of anything that is no longer serving you. At the end of our hike, I will have paper and pen for you to write down your intention, place it into the fireproof container, and set it on fire. For our safety, and nature's, this will be done all together (not one at a time) and I will have a spray fire extinguisher on hand just in case. As the fire is lit, it is up to you to say goodbye or allow space for your intention.

Examples to say quietly to yourself, as you focus your attention on the fire for igniting an intention or the smoke to release:

* Today I release/let go of __________.
* Today I ignite/make space for __________.

On our way back into Charlotte, we can stop for a beverage at Cavendish Brewery.

AllTrails link:
[https://www.alltrails.com/.../crowders-trail-to-rocktop...](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alltrails.com%2Ftrail%2Fus%2Fnorth-carolina%2Fcrowders-trail-to-rocktop-trail-loop%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQ2JaZGxiNVFoT3JZVkZFSgEe7_Xhqw2e19LdvnCKoZyOtclbS5DzbQHHxVYt0sI3QpD2z9Q86F1-LLTO92g_aem_yjS5kJmvIMiEejLaJ5dzAg&h=AT3axXye4W3tBASocY6EPbPfsbdVWwdSQzRkA9KFmHJVRQnXnq1PggrWC-7ByMx_tqJLRH5aeT8SiSUe1d8oB6gxiURvJRpRbDhc1Iwr0y5vvAhMtiGaG8OUPlUY4FUgSH9XFCmHzCa1eQ&tn=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0cYPsrRPlVJnezO4ESmhokiNRrwGyVTm82ywSXGPpawPIEnq1N-uvIgEqBjZrcwmG4BZQiEM4fHv1TGbekAVt7cf-BhAtm6vDyafzJOfXiHyymzrt_tM4lIwv9lRow)

Please plan accordingly based on your own skill level with outerwear, walking poles, appropriate hiking or water shoes, a trail snack and/or lunch, and plenty of water.

ALL my hikes are LEAVE NO TRACE! [https://lnt.org/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flnt.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQ2JaZGxiNVFoT3JZVkZFSgEetX4LR-j6LAWLcCjiKzCz81bN2nYBb1MPKSkPiglvMr7D_zbpYTtfDQkfhzA_aem_4dgXcStGlHHBpGxThVFKKQ&h=AT3U8I4BjSmxsJ8-fZeGmqin8xCwSYQaB_vBswoCbv1GpeZ59GOWpJdWxzo-i08ylNeOyEtQFs2-nSc8Z_ayyexhEJPjeLaZRMFygz_CuKZ5W4KoN3zKWbMorbFLuHVAtpAn_JeXvXsPgw&tn=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0cYPsrRPlVJnezO4ESmhokiNRrwGyVTm82ywSXGPpawPIEnq1N-uvIgEqBjZrcwmG4BZQiEM4fHv1TGbekAVt7cf-BhAtm6vDyafzJOfXiHyymzrt_tM4lIwv9lRow)
This means whatever you bring with you (including degradable items) you must take out with you. And, State regulations prohibit the removal of any natural items (dirt, rocks, plants, flowers, etc.) from state parks, forests, and wildlife areas. Be considerate so that the next person or animal can enjoy the space.