Not So Urban Athletics: Hike at Apshawa Preserve

To paraphrase Alexander Pope...a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Normally, this is about the time of the year when my cold-weather hibernation begins, my hiking boots relegated to a spot in the back of my closet until spring. But I've been poking around the interwebs and have come across a trove of hikes right in my backyard heretofore unknown to me! So many in fact that I think they'll keep me busy until well after old man winter puts his chill in my bones.

Follow me as I keep the outdoor fun going as we take a trip to hike New Jersey's Apshawa Preserve.

What's the deal with this place? Here's a quote from my trusted friends at njHiking.com...

"This hike packs a lot of interest in under 6 miles: a large portion of this hike has a water view, plus some waterfalls, water tank ruins from the early 1900’s, a dam, and a couple of viewpoints."

I'm sold!

The important stuff...

• By RSVPing for this event, you agree to the following waiver of liability https://bit.ly/3atj0C5

• This is going to be an BEGINNER hike of about 5.5 miles. You don't need to be a world-class athlete to participate, but you need to be in decent physical shape as this is one of the more challenging treks in area with a bit of elevation gain and a few rock scrambles. We will be out all day so leave your afternoon/evening open.

• This is a social hike, the pace will be moderate -- we'll be stopping to take in the views. If you yearn to channel your inner Mountain Goat and feel the need to race everyone to the top of the mountain, this is not the hiking trip for you.

• This is cool weather hiking. Dress in layers of non-cotton clothing, wear hiking boots, a hat and gloves, bring 2 liters of fluid (something hot in a thermos is good), a packed lunch and/or snacks.

• Rain cancels the hike.

• RSVP only if you seriously plan to attend as space is limited.

How to get there...

Take I-287 to Exit 53 (Bloomingdale) and turn left onto Hamburg Turnpike. As you enter Bloomingdale, the name of the road changes to Main Street. After 1.3 miles (from Route 287), you'll reach a fork; bear right, but at the next fork (in another 0.1 mile), bear left to continue on the same road, which is once again Hamburg Turnpike. Follow it for another 1.3 miles, then turn right onto Macopin Road. In 1.9 miles, turn left onto Northwood Drive. After 500 feet, turn right into the parking area for the Apshawa Preserve.