Backpacking

Brisk 3- to 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Wunder Garten. We will hike through and by various monuments and gardens before returning for drinks and food at Wunder Garten. Closest metro NOMA-Gallaudet U.

Michael Martin will discuss his most recent trip to Nepal, a trek to Gokyo Lakes in the Khumbu region. The highest freshwater lake system in the world, Gokyo Lakes offers visitors access to views of the highest mountains in the world, without the press of the highly traveled route to Everest Base Camp. Michael will also briefly discuss his past trips to Nepal, and offer tips to those considering a future visit.

Michael Martin will discuss his most recent trip to Nepal, a trek to Gokyo Lakes in the Khumbu region. The highest freshwater lake system in the world, Gokyo Lakes offers visitors access to views of the highest mountains in the world, without the press of the highly traveled route to Everest Base Camp. Michael will also briefly discuss his past trips to Nepal, and offer tips to those considering a future visit.

**About the Event** An event for the Maryland folks! So much parking!!!!! The Maryland Expansion Pack is a board game/tabletop gaming event for both experienced and casual gamers. Be prepared to meet new people and try new games. **About the Games** This series will focus two types of games -- A hosted "meaty game" for players looking for a more in-depth experience, and a collection of social games. The hosted game is intended for experienced tabletop fans. These games will include titles with rulesets that are a bit more complex, take a bit more time, and are often strategic and competitive. (space may be limited) The Social Games are easy to learn, and play!!! DCGG will curate the games and provide trained game hosts to help get games going quickly and make sure all players are supported as they learn and engage with the games. **AND THE MOST IMPORTANT BIT!!! ITS TACO TUESDAY!!!!!!!** **What if we don't have enough players?** Through the power of teamwork and friendship, we will find a way for everyone to play and have a good time. **Please arrive on time if possible.** **BUT WAIT THERES MORE:** If you are interested in becoming a Supporting Member and enjoying perks like: * **Early RSVP Access:** Supporting Members will get early access to RSVPing to regular events. * **Town Hall meeting:** Supporting Members will be invited to participate in town halls and polls that will help determine how revenue past operating costs is directed. * **Discounted Ticket:** In the event that DCGG hosts paid ticketed events in the future, Supporting Members will be offered discounted prices. * The knowledge that you make all this possible! Visit the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/DCGamingGroup Feel free to join the DC Gaming Community by hopping into the Discord: https://discord.gg/NP7v7VF **Disclaimer and Community Code of Conduct:** The DC Gaming Group is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for participants. to learn more about our code of conduct you can read more here. Events may be recorded for promotional material.

Join Late Morning Hikers to learn about the history of one of our regular haunts — the Appalachian Trail! We will nerd out together at a Profs and Pints talk at Penn Social — see description below. You must buy a ticket to attend — they’re about $16 in advance after fees. We’ll meet at 6pm (a comment will be posted on this page with a description of where we’re seated in the bar) and the talk starts at 6:30pm. Link to buy tickets: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/appalachian-trail Event description from Profs and Pints: Profs and Pints DC presents: “The Course of the Appalachian Trail,” on the fascinating past and uncertain future of a beloved wilderness trail and national park, with Mills Kelly, emeritus professor of history at George Mason University and author of A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail. Spring brings people flocking back to the Appalachian Trail, which for more than 100 years has provided opportunities to spend anywhere from a few hours to six months traversing the Appalachian Mountains. Stretching more than 2,000 miles across 14 states, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, it ranks among the most iconic long-distance hiking trails in the world. It and its associated national park are annually visited by nearly 17 million. Gear up for Earth Day—and perhaps some time on the trail yourself—by spending an evening with Mills Kelly, an expert on all things Appalachian Trail and is the author of two books and numerous articles on the trail’s history. We’ll start our scholarly journey by looking at the trail’s origins. First proposed by Benton MacKaye, a forester, in 1921 as a place for urban workers to get some fresh air and sunshine, the trail took 16 years to scout, map, and carve out of the mountains. The first version was woven together mostly from abandoned mountain roads, Indigenous people's paths, and highways. Drawing on research in archives up and down the length of the trail, Professor Mills will show us archival photographs and video clips spread across the decades of the trail’s history, and he'll let the voices of hikers themselves describe how the experience of hiking has changed over the decades. You’ll learn what hikers ate before the advent of freeze-dried backpacker meals and when and why thru-hiking became a thing. More profoundly, we’ll examine how innovations in gear changed the experiences of women on the trail, and how changing attitudes about race transformed the hiking community. Professor Mills will describe how the trail is maintained entirely by 33 volunteer clubs, including the D.C. area’s Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, founded in 1927 to help build it. Looking ahead, he’ll discuss how the trail’s long-term health as a recreational resource is being affected by declining federal support, overuse in some sections, and climate change. (Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.)

\*\*\*Note: We have temporarily moved off of the UMD Track and are meeting at Herbert Wells Ice Rink (Same location as Thursdays) for our speedwork. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for a structured speed workout! If you are new to running, just getting back into it, or checking out the club for the first time, this a great first workout to join. All paces and abilities welcome. A pre-determined workout will be announced at the beginning and participants can adjust the workout to meet their needs and level. Workouts are usually planned by time, rather than distance, which helps accommodate the wide variety of paces that we have and allows the group to stick together. Warm-up starts at 6:30pm. Children are welcome, if accompanied by a responsible adult. **Parking information:** Free parking is available; park nearest the trail (farthest from the ice rink)

**This talk has completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Course of the Appalachian Trail,”** on the fascinating past and uncertain future of a beloved wilderness trail and national park, with Mills Kelly, emeritus professor of history at George Mason University and author of *A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees, available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/appalachian-trail](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/appalachian-trail) .] Spring brings people flocking back to the Appalachian Trail, which for more than 100 years has provided opportunities to spend anywhere from a few hours to six months traversing the Appalachian Mountains. Stretching more than 2,000 miles across 14 states, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, it ranks among the most iconic long-distance hiking trails in the world. It and its associated national park are annually visited by nearly 17 million. Gear up for Earth Day—and perhaps some time on the trail yourself—by spending an evening with Mills Kelly, an expert on all things Appalachian Trail and is the author of two books and numerous articles on the trail’s history. We’ll start our scholarly journey by looking at the trail’s origins. First proposed by Benton MacKaye, a forester, in 1921 as a place for urban workers to get some fresh air and sunshine, the trail took 16 years to scout, map, and carve out of the mountains. The first version was woven together mostly from abandoned mountain roads, Indigenous people's paths, and highways. Drawing on research in archives up and down the length of the trail, Professor Mills will show us archival photographs and video clips spread across the decades of the trail’s history, and he'll let the voices of hikers themselves describe how the experience of hiking has changed over the decades. You’ll earn what hikers ate before the advent of freeze-dried backpacker meals and when and why thru-hiking became a thing. More profoundly, we’ll examine how innovations in gear changed the experiences of women on the trail, and how changing attitudes about race transformed the hiking community. Professor Mills will describe how the trail is maintained entirely by 33 volunteer clubs, including the D.C. area’s Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, founded in 1927 to help build it. Looking ahead, he’ll discuss how the trail’s long-term health as a recreational resources is being affected by declining federal support, overuse in some sections, and climate change. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A 1928 photo of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club taking a break from its work (National Park Service / Public Domain).

**IMPORTANT - READ** Monongahela National Forest limits groups to 10 people, so that is a hard limit for this trip. If you are not 100% committed please do ***NOT RSVP*** ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Moderate** * **Length:** 16 Miles * **Duration:** 2 Days * **Elevation Gain:** 2,216 Feet * **Bear Canisters:** Not Required * **Permits:** Not Required * **Parking:** Red Creek Trailhead * **Coordinates:** 38.972729, -79.397824 * **AllTrails Map**: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd) The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas in the US. Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and flora and fauna normally found much further north in Canada. A backpacking trip in this area will expose you to a very diverse and unique landscape with sphagnum bogs, grassy meadows lined by spruce trees, wind-carved boulders, and beautiful mountain vistas. Note - this area can have very unpredictable weather. I've had everything from sunshine, to heavy rain, to even snow and hail as late as May. Pack accordingly. **Trail Details:** We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Red Creek Trailhead at the southern end of the Dolly Sods wilderness. The drive is about 3 hours - I will drive and am happy to have up to 3 others carpool with me. When we arrive at the trailhead, we will hike about 6.3 miles to our campsite, stopping once to check out the the iconic Lion's Head on Breathed Mountain (pictured in the post). Should be an early day, so feel free to bring cards, adult beverages, or other items to pass the time. The second day, we will explore the rest of the park, which includes the rugged Dunkenbarger trail. The second day is about 9.4 miles back to the car. There are a ton of stream crossings on this trip - so expect to get wet and pack accordingly. **Essential Items**: * Tent * Sleeping pad​ * Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​ * Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​ * Backpacking stove with fuel​ * Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​ * Dehydrated meals​ and snacks * Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)​ * Water filter or purification tablets​ * Headlamp with extra batteries​ * Rain gear * Dry bags or pack cover​ * Warm clothing layers (non-cotton) * Trowel for and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance **Optional Items**: * Personal first aid kit​ * Map and compass or GPS device * Power bank or external battery * Trekking poles​ * Camp shoes * Electrolyte supplements​ * Alcohol​ * Books, games, or other enterainment * Gaiters​ * Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​ **General meetup location:** Vienna Metro Station - 8:00am Time driving: 3 hr. each way Google driving direction from Vienna metro: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA) **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). ​ See you on the trail!

*You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.* Distance: 3.5 miles Elevation change: about 100' Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22! How far have we come since the first Earth Day in 1970? Join us at the 500-acre Lake Accotink Park, a surprising retreat in the middle of suburban Fairfax County. We'll walk partly on and partly off the main trail and along the lake shore on natural surface trails (about 4 miles total). We'll walk by an active eagle nest that is visible from the trail, unless the leaves are out. We may see the eagles flying around the lake. We'll find a variety of native plants, including the native azalea. **We meet at the parking lot by the dam**, then hike on natural surface side trails that most park visitors don’t know about. I'm also a naturalist, so we will stop occasionally to look at spring wildflowers. Some of the terrain is hillier than the main trail around the lake, with an elevation change of about 100 feet from lowest to highest, with many short but steep hills that make for a good workout for a suburban location. The route has small rocks, roots, and a couple of small stream crossings and is not suitable for people with difficulty walking. Pace is about 2 mph average with occasional short stops for checking out nature and discussing Earth Day. Restroom: By the pavilion (about a 5-minute walk from hike start) No dogs, please Park Entry Fee: NONE [Park map](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sites/parks/files/Assets/documents/waterfront/lakeaccotink/lake-accotink-brochure-map.pdf) * NOTE: Alternate directions if you are coming to the Park from the direction of Tysons Corner on 495 (Beltway): You may enter the Park at an entrance on Heming Ave. From I-495, take Exit 54 East onto Braddock Road (east). From Braddock Road, turn right onto Heming Ave., then right into the parking lot for Lake Accotink Park. HOWEVER, you cannot drive from that parking lot to the hike starting place. The two parking lots are connected by a paved walkway through the Park. It's a short walk down the hill to the lake (passing restrooms at pavilion), and then follow road to the dam. Please allow 10 extra minutes once you park to find your way and to walk to the dam if you arrive that way.

**Backpacking 101** is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry. Get ready to hit the trail with confidence—let’s make adventure happen! **Requirements** · Participants must 18 or older & a PATC Member · **Fee:** $100 · **Class Size:** Limited to 8 students. · **Waiver:** A signed waiver is required by PATC. **Topics Covered** * Dressing for Success – Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials * Gear Up! – Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system * Backcountry Basics – Water purification & cooking on the trail * Home Sweet Campsite – Selecting and setting up your ideal spot * Leave No Trace – How to protect nature while enjoying it * Trail Hygiene – Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild * Plan & Navigate – Trip planning, maps, and finding your way **Class Structure** * Pre-Class Prep – Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start * 2 Gear Demos & Discussions – Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions * Overnight Adventure – Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip! **Classroom Sessions** Location: PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VA Online: There will not be an online option as this has not worked well previously. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm * Tuesday, April 7 * Tuesday, April 14 **Weekend Option #2:** This trip will be in GWNF and includes a **3.2 miles hike (each way)** with 1,200 foot elevation. I’d rate this as “easy" * Weekend Option #2: April 25-26 * Rain Date for Option #2: May 2-3

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. **10.5 miles with 250 feet elevation gain.** ***Let's hike the recently reopened Billy Goat B trail which has been closed for several years. One of my favorite sections, I'm glad it's back!*** This is a beautiful area along the scenic C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath. This trek will include a hike on Billy Goat B & C trails with great views of the Potomac River, as well as the roaring waters of Olmsted Island and the Great Falls overlook. This route includes a very scenic section of the towpath. **Description:** We'll start our hike on Billy Goat C trail and hike until we connect with the C&O Canal towpath. We'll hike to the Tavern visitor center for lunch break before we reconnect with the towpath. and make our way to Olmsted Island and the Great Falls Overlook. We'll then resume on the towpath until we cross over the canal onto Berma Road for a short distance where we reconnect to the towpath at Angler's Inn parking area. We're back on the towpath where we will connect to Billy Goat B trail. Note: There is one stream crossing on Billy Goat B which is fairly easily crossed by stone stepping. After completing Billy Goat B, we'll then connect back to the towpath and return to the trailhead parking. The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots on both Billy Goat B & C. Restrooms are available at the Carderock Picnic Area parking lot where we start as well as at the Tavern Visitor Center. Hiking poles may be useful if you normally use them. **Trailhead:** We will meet in the Carderock Picnic Grounds parking lot in Carderock Recreation Area. Please plan on being there at 8:45am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time. **Dogs are welcome.** Dog Policy [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) ***Please note: Dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so you will have to wait while the group completes the Olmsted Island walk***. **There are no fees.** Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland: [https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf) **Directions to Carderock Picnic Grounds Parking at Carderock Recreation Area:** From I-495, take the exit for Clara Barton Pkwy, continue on the Pkwy until you see the exit for Carderock near the Naval Surface Warfare Center. After exiting at Carderock, you will pass under the towpath tunnel. Turn left after going under the towpath tunnel and continue into the picnic grounds parking lot. **GPS 38.97122, -77.19874** Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

I have been told to visit the Brighton Dam Azalea Garden at peak bloom for years because, as you can see, it is apparently stunning. Well, I'm finally putting it on the calendar. Annnnd, we'll get the full view from the water, not having to battle the crowds onshore. We will launch into Triadelphia from the Greenbridge Boat Ramp. Give yourself extra time to be in the water by 10:30, as the ramp is narrow and it is not easy to unload at the waters edge. We will head straight for the garden and spend some time there taking photos. From there, we'll paddle back further into the reservoir and explore two of the larger coves. Total distance should be about 4 miles and we'll be wrapped up around 12:30. This is event is suitable for kayaks and canoes (but not inflatables). WSSC does not allow paddle boards on their reservoirs and has been getting more serious about enforcement. If you've got a seat attachment for your SUP and can paddle it sitting down, I *think* you're in the clear. As always, you must WEAR, not just carry your life jacket/PFD. **WSSC requires a watershed use permit.** Permits are $6.25 per day or $72 for the year. I heard that they increased the fine for not having one to $100. You can purchase them online at: [https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces](https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces)

Lake Needwood is a cute little lake that perhaps isn't worth devoting a whole afternoon to, but it is a great relaxing spot on a weekday evening. If you've been hesitating to join us out of fear of being too slow - THIS is the event to join to calm your fears. We will launch from the mooring area on the east side of the lake. There is only parking for 16 vehicles along the road, so if you can't find a spot, then drop off you boat or board at the loading zone and park at the nearby playground. We will launch promptly at 6:15 and make a clockwise loop of the lake. Even taking it slow, we should be wrapped up before 7:45. This is event is suitable for kayaks (but not inflatables), canoes, and paddle boards (iSUPs are welcome). As always, you must WEAR, not just carry your life jacket/PFD. Supposedly you need a daily permit to paddle in Montgomery Parks. You can try to purchase at the website below on the day off, but it usually crashes on me. [Active Montgomery](https://mdmontgomeryctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=23565217beafb8bd637738803632d450131399c55443cfa590a489edd0fe6d1f&keyword=boat&subtype=&secondarycode=&keywordoption=Match+One&display=Detail&search=yes&page=1&module=PM&multiselectlist_value=&pmwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)

This was awesome last time so we're doing it again - **Traveling film festival, Mountains On Stage is coming to DC with summer's best 2026 short films related to the outdoors.** ***Note: This is a ticketed event being hosted by a 3rd party organization. You must buy a ticket to attend.*** Interested in outdoor adventure? Let's get together and watch a curated selection of the best short films on mountaineering and adventure sports. **Cost:** $25 ([To buy tickets, click here](https://weeztix.shop/jb357zxw)) **Meetup Time:** 5:00pm **Meetup Location:** The Commodore DC 1636 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 **Event** **Location:** Washington DC - Cafritz Hall 1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 Mountains on Stage is a traveling film festival that presents a curated selection of the world's best adventure and mountain films to a global audience. It brings the excitement of mountain sports like climbing, skiing, and paragliding to cities around the world, allowing people to experience the beauty and challenge of the outdoors through film We will meet at a small pub called The Commodore at 5pm to eat and consolidate before heading to Cafritz Hall at 6pm. The first film starts at 6:45 pm and the last ends by 10 pm (doors open at 6:15 pm). [https://www.mountainsonstage.com](https://www.mountainsonstage.com/) [Video trailer](https://montagne-en-scene.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d7696be56eef6d11e5a0d55b0&id=bbb55af8ef&e=19103ab673) **Film Line Up** **Patagonian Chimeras** Directors: Guillaume Broust Length: 35 min Lise Billon’s adventure with Fanny Schmutz and Maud Vanpoulle lies at the crossroads of history, dream and reality. Their goal: the first all-female ascent of the Southeast Ridge of Cerro Torre in Patagonia. This legendary line, on the world’s most beautiful mountain, is full of exploits and controversies. While this movie reveals an extraordinary achievement, it also explores questions about the place of women in mountaineering and the dreams they are entitled to pursue. Are there still gender-related limits in a discipline where everyone risks their life ? **Chery On The Cake** *Based on the original work by Josh Lowell (Reel Rock), directed by Léopold Renié and Cyril Salomon* Length: 55 min Embark on the Kamak ship, bound for Greenland and its pristine cliffs, following our favorite Belgians: **Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll**, **Nicolas Favresse**, **Jean-Louis Wertz**, and their newest Swedish recruit **Aleksej Jaruta**. After 2 weeks of sailing between storms and icebergs, the quartet sets up their base camp at the foot of the Mythic Cirque, a unique spot surrounded by rocky towers rising from the sea. Their goal: establish dream lines on these untouched summits, armed with their musical instruments. An ode to adventure and friendship! **Why I Fly** Director: *Jean-Baptiste Chandelier* Length: 4 min With a nod to E.T. and Peter Pan, **JB Chandelier** offers an intimate and moving film, a true visual ode to freedom. Renowned for his impressive proximity flights, the paraglider reveals, through a highly poetic style, the sensations he experiences while flying. But above all, he reflects on the wounds that have shaped his life choices. An invitation to listen to our inner voice, the one that pushes us to achieve our dreams and live our lives to the fullest! **Queen Swing** Director: *Thibaut Marot* Length: 53 min In speed climbing, it’s all about timing. 24 hours is the time **Kate Kelleghan** and **Laura Pineau** gave themselves to complete the Triple Crown, the three major big-walls of Yosemite: El Capitan, Half Dome and Mount Watkins. An insane bet: three big walls, over 2,000 meters of extremely difficult climbing. For this challenge, never before attempted by an all-female team, risk-taking, determination and complicity will be the keys to success!

Join us for one of our favorite hikes this Tuesday (4/21/26) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hoover Dam Scenic Trail, starting at the west end of the dam. This hike includes some paved paths/roads along with some dirt trails, with a few beautiful views of the reservoir. Join us for this 2 mile hike, finding us in the parking lot at the corner of Sunbury and Smoke Burr.

**Pickleball + coffee + community 🌱** **Let’s kick things off with pickleball at Park of Roses, then join us at Blackend Coffee to unwind and connect.** **Pickleball 🏓 10:30am-12:30pm** **Blackend Coffee ☕️ 🌯 1-3pm** **All levels welcome!** **Can’t waitt to see everyone!** **📍 Park of Roses** **3901 N High St** **Columbus, OH 43214** **📍Blackend Coffee** **2619 N High St** **Columbus, OH 43202**

**Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in!** **We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind.** **If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward at Prost Beer and Wine Cafe. Www.prostcafe.com**