Casual Troll Hike #1 (Historic Smithville Park)

Part of the Red Trail is along a branch of the Rancocas Creek. A section of the Green Trail is floating! Very cool. Unlike most of my hikes there are a few stairways on this hike, but they do have railings. I do not anticipate walking the Ravine Trail. Stringing most of the other trails together will give me about 4 miles. Time permitting, I will enjoy a quick lunch at one of the pavilions near the parking area and Butterfly garden after the hike. Please note that we are meeting in the Smith’s Woods parking lot off of E. Railroad Avenue adjacent to bathrooms, a playground and covered picnic shelters.

Burlington County has 19 art work trolls created and placed throughout the county. This summer I am challenging myself to seek out all 19. A few of these trolls are located in hiking locations. My plan is to start my day’s troll hunt at these locations where I can lead a 3 or so mile hike and then proceed to visit a few other trolls on my own.

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: +/- 4 miles
Expected Speed: slow
Number of planned breaks: as needed, frequent
Bathrooms: set of Flushies off parking lot

Be sure to bring plenty of water. I also recommend at least a snack for the break or lunch.

Be sure to be prepared for the weather.

Please arrive a few minutes ahead of time to sign in and use the bathroom. I start the safety talk 5 minutes before and then start.

Take your preferred tick, chigger, and flying insect precautions.

I drive a dark blue/gray Toyota Sienna minivan. I wear a skirt.

Any questions ahead of time, email [theteppers@comcast.net](http://mailto:theteppers@comcast.net/). Problems the day of, you can text 609-742-8803.

Constant rain, heat index above 85 degrees, or other nasty weather of the same ilk cancels. If above 60 degrees and only isolated showers or mist, hike will be on but may be modified.

The nitty gritty:

• It is summertime. One of the more prominent side effects/symptoms of my MS is heat intolerance. In the summer, I will be slow and taking frequent breaks.

• Dogs: I’m neutral. Your well behaved, leashed dog is welcome to hike with me at the back of the group. It is YOUR responsibility to determine/confirm that dogs are permitted on a specific trail. If you plan to bring your dog, please note it in the comments such that people who prefer not to hike with dogs are aware.

• Why do I often title my hikes as casual? Because my pace varies on how I’m feeling and the makeup of the group that day. Unless I title my hike as slow, my pace falls within the moderate level, whether I’m using my rollator, hiking sticks or pushing a stroller. My distances are generally short to mid range. I also like to look at nature, take time for photos, spot interesting things and don’t mind stopping for comfort breaks. If you want to go fast, you picked the wrong leader/hike.

• As anyone who has hiked with me in the past knows, I have Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently depending on which nerves are being attacked. I have been blessed to have had somewhat mild symptoms. The location, types of hikes, distance, and pace that I choose are generally based on my current symptoms, if any. Occasionally, I will need to adjust a route or take more frequent breaks. If appropriate, I may use hiking sticks or a rollator.

• If a hike is titled as a family hike expect at least one of my elementary school aged children to be accompanying me. The pace will be on the slow end of moderate.

• If a hike is labeled as slow, not just casual, expect the hike to be slow not moderate.