Hike Watkins Woolen Mill State Park

This event is hosted by Sierra Club, which is not affiliated with Meetup. While this listing is posted on Meetup for visibility, official registration must be completed through our website. To secure your spot: Hike at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park

What we will hike: We will hike the 8-foot-wide Paved Bicycle Lake Trail that circles the 100-acre Williams
Creek Lake and has six wooden bridges and one metal truss bridge.
The trail has a moderate grade as it meanders through an oak-hickory
woodland with openings that offer vistas of the lake.
Deer, turkeys and songbirds often can be seen along the trail.
A point of interest is the seasonal waterfall in Williams Creek, about
2,000 feet north of the swim beach. A wooden overlook deck provides
an opportunity to rest and enjoy the peaceful setting. Park benches are
scattered along the trail to serve as rest stops. A .25-mile gravel spur leads to the park's special use area.

Details:
Difficulty: easy
Pace: easy, opportunities to stop and take in nature
Time: ~1.9 hours
Trails are well marked and easy to follow
There is no restroom at the trailhead, except rustic toilets.

Weather: Because the Hike is on a paved trail, it will be held, rain or shine. However, if inclement weather is forecast, the event may be cancelled.

What to bring: closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots, water bottle, hiking sticks if you prefer, and a camera or your phone for photos. Dress for the weather. You are encouraged to bring a personal first aid kit, as described here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JWAt37TJZHWDNAkEaGToQ7GQ1lWY8bNv/edit

Meet-up location: Although parking is plentiful in the park, we have found the lot at the boat ramp for the lake to be particularly convenient, so we will meet there. From the main entrance to the park, drive until you see the signs for the boat ramp on the left side of the lake.

Outing Details & Transportation:
The outing officially begins & ends on the dates & the locations designated by Sierra Club. Carpooling for this outing is not included nor arranged by Sierra Club leaders. It is at your discretion with other participants to & from the outing; each participant is personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel.

About the Sierra Club:
The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with over 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy and preserve our remaining wild places.