Umstead Park: Graylyn, Sycamore, and Lower Lake loop

Join us for a Sunday afternoon walk in the woods in Umstead Park, for conversation and reading by a lake along the way.

We'll take a modified version of the Sycamore and Graylyn trail, for a total of about 3 miles, along a forest road and through the woods by a creek. The trail may be muddy, and there are some steep parts and rock scrambles, so wear shoes with good tread. We'll stop near the Lower Lake dam to read or rest by the water before completing the loop. We will be taking approximately the route shown here: https://www.komoot.com/tour/2753739346

Meet at 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 10, at the Sycamore Parking at Umstead Park. The specific location of the parking lot we'll meet at is shown here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DDfEeBbNsAwdtDqUA Note that the last mile or so is a gravel road.
If for some reason the road or parking lot at the above link is inaccessible (as it was when we last did this hike in the winter), we'll meet at the Potts Branch parking lot instead https://maps.app.goo.gl/gAL2QR9pkRKAE5gT9 and improvise a different hiking route from there.

We'll get started a few minutes after 4:00pm and aim to be back at the parking lot by 6:00pm.

We hope to see some of the "regulars" there, and to meet new folks! This group is a great way to meet people who both enjoy walking in nature and reading and talking about books and ideas. It's a fun group, with friendly people.

A couple of other notes:

• If you sign up and later realize you can no longer come, please change your RSVP to indicate that, so it will open up your space for someone on the waitlist, and so we know not to wait for you at the trailhead.
• If you're on the waitlist, check Meetup the day of the event, because often people drop out late and spaces open up at the last minute.
• We’ll still plan to walk if it’s drizzling or raining lightly. But if there’s heavy rain or extreme heat or cold in the forecast, we’ll reschedule and send a notice by the morning of the event to people who have registered.
• Participation in this hike and any of the events organized by this group are at your own risk. These hikes are on public and well-used trails, but there may be dangers like tripping over tree roots, snake or insect bites, poison ivy, or other unpredictable risks. By joining this event you agree not to hold the organizers responsible for any injuries, and that you understand that you participate at your own risk.

See you soon!