Mindful Movement Hike - Nerstrand Big Woods - Beaver and Fawn Trail Loop

We're getting an early start on this one because parking at Nerstrand Big Woods can be a challenge, and I've tried to time this to coincide with the foliage. Please also note that you'll need a MN State Park permit (day pass or yearly) to attend this hike. Feel free to post in the discussion about carpooling to avoid having to purchase multiple permits and to make parking easier.

We'll meet at the north end of the parking lot just past the Visitor Center off of Highway 29. From there, we'll head south, following the White Oak Trail around until it meets the Beaver Trail. We'll then do the west part of the Beaver Trail loop until it connects with the Fawn Trail. We'll follow the Fawn Trail around until it connects back with the Beaver Trail and heads down to Hidden Falls, where we'll take some dedicated mindfulness time. But we'll be taking time to appreciate the nature we're walking through all the way. We'll continue on the Hidden Falls Trail back to the parking lot.

If it's your thing, bring your binoculars. Nature apps such as Merlin or any Peterson guides to help us identify and appreciate the surrounding nature are welcome on this hike. Please leave your furbabies and your children under 18 at home, however.

If participants want to gather for lunch in Northfield afterward, we can do that, too.

Additional things to note:

1. A donation is not required to participate in this event, but if you are attending and are able to make a $2 donation to support the cost of this Meetup Group, it is sincerely appreciated.
2. I do not cancel just because of rain, but I will if there is a risk of lighting. Getting wet in the forest can be rather spiritually cleansing, IMHO. As they say, "Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet." Be prepared for whatever the weather or trail may throw at us! If rain will dissuade you from participating, you are expected to cancel at least 18 hours before the start of the event to allow anyone on a waitlist to have enough advanced notice to still be able to participate.
3. By signing up for this hike, you agree to release the organizers and other members of the event from any liability. The trails may be muddy, uneven and have rocks and tree roots that sneak up out of the ground and could trip you :)

Hope to see you on the trail!