Sun 7/26 hike - 8:30am Umstead, Lobolly-NCMA I-440 bridge, 6.5 or 12mi options
Details
LOBLOLLY TO NCMA PARK w/possible Schenck Forest
Lets take an early hike on Sunday! Meet at the Reedy Creek entrance of Umstead off of Harrison Ave. (Cross-posted with Raleigh Recreational hikers.) Come prepared to hike BRISKLY - this is for EXPERIENCED hikers at a 3-3.5 mph pace.
NOTE: This route should be fine even in a light rain.
We'll hike the Loblolly trail (6.5ish mi round trip for the short option) and continue down Reedy Creek greenway to the NCMA Park trails and over the I-440 Pedestrian bridge to make 11-12 miles RT.
We can hang out at the NCMA grounds for a snack and bio break before heading back. On the return we can go into Schenck Forest to add another 2 miles if we wish.
We should be back to the trailhead by 1pm for sure if we do the full route.
If it is drizzly and overcast in the morning, I will still hike, pouring rain, no. If needed I will cancel by 8:00am on Sunday, so watch for that.
Take I-40 to exit 287, Harrison Ave, head north (left on Harrison if you are heading east on I-40, right on Harrison if you were heading west on I-40). Go straight into the parking lot.
Meet by the sign with maps on the right side of the parking lot near the Loblolly trailhead. I will be there right at meetup time.
Wear the proper attire, bring water, snacks etc. Well-behaved dogs okay, but must be on a leash - but cannot go into Schenck Forest. No small children please. If I have forgotten anything, please email me.
To read more about this and other local outdoor fun, check out my blog at https://www.idratherwalk.com.