Twin Cities Hiking Meetup

Please join us for a moderate-paced hike on wooded trails, around the beautiful and picturesque ponds and lakes of Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. We will choose a route from several options, ranging from approximately 4.5 to 5.4 miles in length. Let's meet up outside the Holland Lake Trailhead Pavilion at 9:15 AM. We will make introductions and get going by 9:17.

Wondering about the pace? Depending on the hike leader, the pace is typically between 16.5 and 19 minute miles. Other factors may impact the pace, too: the weather, the amount of snow on the ground and the number of hikers. Leaders attempt to keep the group together but sometimes the group will spread out a bit. Maps will be provided by the leader for anyone who has concerns about falling behind. The park has excellent signage as well.

For even more fun, please consider joining us for a post-hike lunch at Ansari Grill, 1960 Rahncliff Ct, Eagan, MN 55122.

No dogs, no kids, no plus-ones.

If your plans have changed and you are unable to attend, please be respectful of others and update your RSVP in a timely manner. Do your part to stay off the dreaded "no show" list.

Confirmed hikers: If your plans have changed, please update your RSVP before 7:00 AM Saturday morning so someone on the wait list can attend. If you are wait-listed: Keep an eye open up until 7:00 AM Saturday to see if you made it onto the confirmed list. In the meantime, if your plans have changed, take yourself off the wait list.

Recommended: Dress for the weather. Layers tend to work well. It may be colder as you start out, but you will warm up during the walk. Bring water as you feel necessary.

Questions: Post questions in the comments section after you RSVP.

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

New Start Location

The Murphy-Hanrehan hike is a challenging hike. The trail is rough (dirt, loose gravel, rocks and roots). The hills are steep (and there are a lot of them), the distance is long (6 miles plus), and the pace is fast (16 – 16.5-minute miles). This hike was designed for the fit, experienced hiker who wants a good workout. This is not a hike for the casual hiker.

HOWEVER, Murphy-Hanrehan Park is a beautiful park that many hikers could truly appreciate. It offers a rustic walk in the woods. With that in mind, we provide a second hiking option that is shorter and slower than the regular Murphy hike. The trail is still rough. The hills are still steep (though there aren’t nearly as many). The hike is shorter (about 4.5 miles) and the pace is slower (18-20-minute miles, and slower yet on the hills). It’s a hike that most casual hikers could enjoy.

We will meet at 9:00 AM at the MTB Trailhead Parking Lot in Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. We will get going by 9:05, so don’t be late. You may choose either the fast 6 plus mile hike, or the slower 4.5 mile hike. We will hike in light rain, but if conditions look too bad, we will cancel the hike by 7:30 AM.

There are restroom facilities and water available. We will start on time if everyone is there, but will only wait five minutes past the hour for late comers.

Questions? Post your questions in the comments section located below the pictures of the hike attendees.

Hike at your own risk. By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts and other hikers from any liability.

Come ready for a moderate to slower paced hike (approx. 18-20 minutes/mile) in the Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington. Please know yourself and your pace, because I don't want to slow the entire group down too much. We will be pausing occasionally to allow slower hikers to catch up at trail intersections, but if you're too slow, you need to find a different hike. We will hike a route 4-6 miles in length, depending on the condition of the trails, the weather and even the whim of the leader. This hike is also flexible and can be shortened for people who have to leave earlier or want to hike less (We can separate into two groups). We will hike in light rain, but if conditions look too bad, I'll cancel the hike about 1-1/2 hrs before.
Meet at the corner of the parking lot at the entrance to the path to the actual Richardson Center building (pin location shown). We will be trying to form a circle somewhere to avoid getting hit by cars, run over by people, or vice versa. See the geographical location on the map. There are restroom facilities and water available. We will start on time if everyone is there, but will only wait five minutes past the meeting time for late comers.
No pets for this hike. People who don't update their RSVPs for changes or don't show up for the hike can cause others not to come (this can cause others to remain waitlisted). So, please, if your plans have changed and you are unable to attend, update your RSVP in a timely manner so we are not waiting for you at the start and to allow those on the waitlist to attend. If you're on the waitlist, within ~1/2 hour before the hike, do not come. So far, these hikes have not been full, so the waitlist has been a non-issue.
Questions? Send me a message or post your questions in the comments section after your RSVP.
Hike at your own risk. By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.