Sun AM Hike at Wild River State Park + Brunch/Lunch @ Village Inn-Wyoming
Details
Let’s meet up for a 7 mile spring hike at scenic Wild River State Park! Following the hike, (optional), we will stop on the way back to the Twin Cities for brunch/lunch at Village Inn, 4848 E Viking Blvd, Wyoming, MN 55092
Wild River State Park in spring features abundant ephemerals such as trillium, spring beauty and other woodland flowers. Numerous species of birds can be seen as they pass through in their migration and I bet we will see some indication of the busy beavers out and about at this time of year.
THE HIKE: We will hike about 7 miles at a moderate pace(19-20 minute mile or 3 miles/hour, slower on hills) over a variety of landscapes including conifer and hardwood forests, savannah, prairie, wetlands and the St. Croix River. Expect to be hiking 2.5-3 hours. We will stop a few times to hydrate and enjoy the scenery. All of the trails will be non-paved trails with uneven terrain that varies with gravel, sand, roots, mud and dirt. There will be some hills that are quite steep and challenging. We will be hiking a mix of hiking only and multi-use trails, so we may pass some horses.
Protective clothing or DEET bug spray should be considered for potential ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs that are active at this time of year. Sunscreen or protective clothing is also recommended
Sorry, no dogs, +1s or children allowed on this hike. Only Twin Cities Hiking Meetup members who agree to these expectations and the Meetup Community Guidelines will be welcome on the hike.
FACILITIES: There are modern bathrooms and drinking water at the trailhead and a couple pit toilets along the route.
PARKING: Each car will need a state park pass. The prices are: $35 for an annual pass and $7 for a daily pass.
CARPOOLING: Safety should be the top priority. If you wish to carpool, I suggest contacting other hikers you already know by direct message and make your arrangements that way. Alternatively, someone can suggest a meetup time and place in the event comments (e.g., 7:45 AM @ REI Bloomington) and then whomever shows up decides who drives/rides. I suggest marking the comments regarding carpooling as “private”(lower left corner while entering comment), so those conversations are only viewable to hikers on the “going” list. Also, it's always nice to give some gas money to comp the driver.
IMPORTANT: Please honor your RSVP and if your plans change update your status to Not Going as soon as you know, even if you are on the Waitlist.
HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.
Furthermore, all participants are expected to adhere to the guidelines agreed to when signing up for Meetup which can be reviewed at: Meetup.com > Policies and Community Guidelines > Community Guidelines (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-content-policies-Rules-for-using-Meetup)
After passing the Park Office/ranger station, take the first left to the Trail Center parking lot. We will meet in front of the Trail Center. I look forward to seeing you there!