Douglas State Forest Loop Hike

Event Rating: Level 2+ (longer than a typical Level 2, 2+ mph pace)
It is a requirement that members have previously completed a Level 2 hike with this group.

Distance: ~7.25 Miles

Time Duration: ~3.5 Hours

Blaze Orange: not required

Before signing up for this event, please read and understand this entire Write-Up and Liability Waiver. By signing up for this event you agree to the terms of the waiver & acknowledge that this event as described is a good fit for your abilities. Please RSVP only if you are sure that you can attend.

COVID-19 Instructions: Do not attend a hike if you or a person you have been in close contact with has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

Hike Description:
Douglas State Forest is a state-owned forest that borders both Connecticut and Rhode Island, located in the town of Douglas, Massachusetts. The forest's 5,525 acres include Wallum Lake which offers swimming, boating, and fishing to visitors. The forest is managed by the Massachusetts DCR.

We will be hiking on trails that include a portion of the Midstate Trail and will pass by Whitinsville Reservoir and Wallis Pond during the hike.

Requirements are a good pair of hiking boots, a backpack, drinking water (1 liter min), and snacks. You may also want to bring bug spray and sunscreen. The trails are a mix of single-track trails and forest roads. The land is mostly flat with some small hills.

Directions: We will meet in a Douglas State Forest parking lot on Wallis Street. From Rte 146 and East Douglas, take Rte. 16 West. Cedar St. has a flashing yellow light traffic light at which you will turn right. Follow Cedar Street for 0.4 miles and turn left on Wallis Street. The parking lot will be on your left after driving for 0.4 miles.

Liability Waiver: As a condition of your voluntary participation in this activity, you acknowledge and agree to the following: this activity involves inherent risks that can cause property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death to participants and/or others; you assume all risk associated with this activity; you are responsible for having the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, clothing, and equipment to safely participate in this activity; you know and will follow the Hiker Responsibility Code described at www.hikesafe.com; the leader(s) of this activity are volunteers; and you for yourself, your heirs, executors, and administrators release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability, and/or death - including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons. The RIHC will not be held responsible for any COVID-19 issues including but not limited to the transmission of the disease, the cost of medical treatment, and/or death.

Safety First!