Hike + Shoot || Forest Hill Park + Reedy Creek || 3-5 miles Moderate Terrain

Let's do it again!

We had this same event back in January and it was a blast. It was also cold! So now that the weather is warm, let's go back! Hopefully this time we won't get lost (much). Also, if you were with us last time, we walked up to Dry Rocks (Joe told us we just had to see the ice!) instead of Reedy Creek, but this time we'll try to stick to the original plan.
—————
Join us as we head out on this 3 to 5-mile loop trail in Forest Hill Park and Reedy Creek.

Copied from the All Trails website for Forest Hill Park Trail:
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 17 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
The park has an extensive past, having operated as a trolley line, an amusement park, and a quarry. One of its noteworthy landmarks is the "Stone House," a mansion constructed between 1836 and 1843 using stones quarried from the property. This urban park's trail encircles the lake in a broad loop, offering a picturesque path. Hikers will traverse Reedy Creek and go around the lake dotted with lily pads.

Feel free to bring your well-behaved dog on this hike with us. With time to stop and take photographs, expect this hike to take about 2 hours for the Forest Hill section, and another hour for the Reedy Creek trail section. We will take a slightly different path than shown on the All Trails site (here) because I want to focus on areas with potentially better photo opportunities.

After the Forest Hill loop, we will continue across the parking area to the Reedy Creek Trail, which follows the James River. We will do the out and back to the west and then to the east, turning around before the Belle Isle access stairway. This will add another 1.5 miles or so (I'm estimating) for a total of about 5-ish miles. If you just want the shorter hike, feel free to opt out of the Reedy Creek portion when we get back to the parking lot.

Park in the Reedy Creek trail parking lot. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time.

Tips:

• Bring snacks
• Bring water
• Wear sturdy shoes, preferably hiking shoes or boots
• Don't forget your walking stick (if you have one)
• Bring a camera if you have one (your phone is fine)
• Check your camera's battery level, charge it if needed
• Check you have your SD card installed and it has plenty of available space