PICKLE SPRINGS DOG HIKE. Difficult, not for beginners

OUR VERY BEST SCENERY HIKE, rock formations and bluffs are awesome here. These trails are tough and rocky. Not recommended for beginners.

RATED DIFFICULT, but it's a short trail and we stop a lot for pics. Steep trails, creeks, rock bluffs. Expect muddy boots and dirty dogs, if it's been raining. This is not for beginners or first timers. Be sure that you and your dog are up to it and have the proper equipment. It is rugged, beautiful and great photo ops everywhere.

Our pace is slower than most meetup groups, we're here to enjoy the scenery and relax. This is not a power hike. We stop and goof off a lot here. If that's not what you want, don't sign up...we're gonna do it anyway. Figure over 2 hours for a 2 mile trail here, so much neat stuff to see.

GOOD HIKING BOOTS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED for safety.
HIKING POLES are strongly recommended.

ONE DOG PER PERSON, it's just not a good trail for multiple dogs.

Bring water for your dog and yourself.

Be sure to Frontline your dog, ticks might still be out.

No guest dogs, our hikes are for member dogs only. Human guests are okay, but be sure they are prepared for this trail. They need proper equipment and need to be in reasonably good shape.

No bathroom anywhere here, stop in Farmington or go in the woods.

Pickle trail is about 2 miles long, allow 2-3 hours...scenery is that good, lots to explore and see. We will not plan on Hickory Canyon this time.

We'll do lunch at our favorite little restaurant, Midway Cafe. Great food. Dogs cannot come inside, they'll have to stay in the cars.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS....

Allow about an hour from Arnold, if you know the way. If it's new to you, allow a little more. Arrive a little early and be ready to go at 10:00. We hit the trail promptly at 10:00, with or without you.

Use your GPS or meetup mapping feature to get to Pickle Springs.
Take 55 to Farmington Exit, go south on Hwy 67 to second (main) Farmington exit, HWY 32 east.

Follow Hwy 32 about 7-8 miles to RIGHT ON HWY AA. There's a sneaky little left turn at a stoplight at the far edge of Farmington, so watch the signs. This might not be the way your gps tells you to go, but this is the best way. Go right onto Hwy AA, about 1.5-2 miles to left onto Dorlac Road. Big tall pine trees near turnoff.

No cell reception in some spots after you leave Farmington. Know before you go. No cell at parking lot sometimes.