Jul 6, 9 AM - Forest Hill Avenue to the Buttermilk Trail Hike

Details

We will convene at the intersection of Prince George Road and Forest Hill Avenue for a 3.6 mile hike that will combine a stroll through one of Southside Richmond's early neighborhoods and a hike along the most challenging stretches of the Buttermilk Trail. We'll follow Forest Hill Avenue east to 41st Street where we will enter Forest Hill Park, following Reedy Creek to the Reedy Creek Landing. Here we will pick up the Buttermilk Trail and follow it to the Boulevard (aka Nickel) Bridge. No river crossing today as we now turn South and follow Westover Hills Boulevard back through civilization to Forest Hill Avenue!

This is a hike of approximately 3.6 miles over woodland trails, paved surfaces and stairways. Participants should be able to maintain a pace of twenty-five minutes per mile, ford a stream, possess the ability to recognize toxic plants, negotiate rocks, roots, fallen trees, damp trail conditions, stairs, steep ascents and descents, vines, low hanging branches, culverts, uncertain footing on hills, reptiles, spider webs, scorpions, birds of prey, falling acorns, hickory nuts and branches, and migratory waterfowl.
While Event Organizers provide a framework for your Meetup experience, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. By signing up for our Meetups, you acknowledge and agree that hiking, outdoor activities and any of our Meetups carry the risk of injury or even death, and that you accept those risks. Further, you understand and accept this disclaimer and agree not to bring any type of claim against the Event Organizers, James River Hikers or other participants.

Good to Know:

Water, appropriate footwear, and treking poles are encouraged. The Buttermilk Trail is steep in places and some of the footing is covered with grit that can be unexpectedly slippery, and there are three minor stream crossings where hiking sticks come in handy for those of us whose rock hopping skills aren't what they used to be.
Hikes begin at the posted time, not five or ten minutes later. If you are unfamiliar with the meet up location, add a few minutes to your travel schedule so you won't get left behind. If you need help on directions click on the small inset map in the event description under "How To Find Us" to display a larger interactive map. When you select "Directions" (on the left) the best route from your location to the Meet Up rendezvous spot will be calculated for you.
Before the hike be sure to place anything that might invite theft in your trunk before you leave your car parked while you are hiking.
There are primitive restroom facilities at Reedy Creek Landing parking lot. Water is available at Reedy Creek Landing.

Be sure to build some time into your schedule so we can gather after the hike at O'Toole's for a decompression beverage and/or snack! Did somebody say, "Brunch"?