CHRISTMAS EVE DOG HIKE at Rockwood Reservation. Quarry trails.

RATED MODERATE this time, due to snow.

HIKING BOOTS REQUIRED today. Something with big treads for snow.
HIKING POLES and YAKTRAX also very strongly recommended.
Stairs and bridges will be icy.

Our group's favorite in-town hike. Very scenic. A couple of small caves. Trails are gravel and some paved. Mostly level-ish with 2 hills to climb. A bit of a workout, but it probably won't kill you if you're in reasonably decent shape.

We will hike the Quarry Trails. First the Rock Quarry and then the Trail Among the Trees. Rated MODERATE, if there's snow. Steps and bridges can be icy. Total of about 4 miles on 2 trails, figure 2.5 hours. You can quit after first trail, for about 2.5 miles.

NO CELL RECEPTION AT PARKING LOT! If you're late or lost, we cannot help you. Driving directions below...read them. Suggest staying in your car if you're early. In very cold weather, we usually wait in the cars until the group arrives and it's time to go.

Our pace will be relaxed but moderate. We will stop whenever necessary to water the dogs or look at the scenery. Don't be in a hurry, just enjoy the day. If you're a power hiker, you probably won't like this hike or this group.

We will hike in snow, but not if roads are icy. Check website before heading out in this weather.

BRING PLENTY OF WATER FOR YOUR DOG & YOURSELF. We will stop at the spring-fed creek between each leg of the hike, but there's no watering holes on the ridgetops.

SHORT LEASH, as always. No retractables.
NO GUEST DOGS. Our events are for member dogs only.
Human guest are welcome, but you're encouraged to just come and socialize with other group members. If your human friends want to bring their dogs, they need to be members of our group.

PLEASE....keep your RSVP updated so we don't all stand around a parking lot waiting for you. Our group hates "No Shows". ZERO cell reception at parking lot.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS :

We hit the trail promptly at 10:00, with or without you. Arrive early and be ready to go by then.

NO CELL RECEPTION at the parking lot...know before you go.

Hwy 109 from either 44 or Manchester/100. Turn west on WOODS AVENUE, about halfway between 44 and 100. There are brown signs with white letters just before the turn on Woods.

Park entrance is about 500' off Hwy 109, gates on your right. Meet at Education Center parking lot, about 1.5 miles up into park just past bridge/restrooms. We meet at the Rock Quarry Trailhead, located at the very first part of parking lot, before pavilion and building.

YOU CANNOT ACCESS THIS FROM OLD MANCHESTER/NORTH ENTRANCE. IF YOU DON'T FOLLOW WRITTEN DIRECTIONS, YOU'LL BE HIKING ALONE.