Jan 7, 10 AM - Wayside Springs to Reedy Creek Hike

• Anticipated weather on hike day.
• Wind Chill Calculator
• We will convene at Wayside Springs on New Kent Ave for a 5 km 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 New Kent Ave west to Westover Hills Blvd and pick up the Buttermilk Trail at the Boulevard (aka Nickel) Bridge. The Buttermilk Trail will take us to Reedy Creek which we'll follow to Forest Hill Park. After we climb the stairs to the pickle ball courts and meander through the park, we'll follow New Kent Ave back to our starting point.

This is a hike of approximately 5.0 km 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 in season, 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.
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 trekking 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.
• 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 map found in the event description under "How To Find Us". The best route from your location to the Meet Up rendezvous spot will be calculated for you when you select "Directions".
• 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 in season.
• Not a good Dog hike. Narrow trails and steep assents/descents.

We'll gather after the hike at O'Toole's for a decompression beverage and/or snack! It's in your best interest to pack a dry tee shirt or other garment if you plan to stay after the hike. The excitement of today's hike is guaranteed to make you glow!

• Police Non-emergency Number => 804-646-5100
• The Event Organizer contact number is 804-297-7634