Hike Louisville Swamp-MN River Nat’l Wildlife Refuge-Shakopee +Mr. Pig’s Smokery
Details
Let’s meet up for a fall hike in the Louisville Swamp Unit of the Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge! Following the hike(optional), join us for food/refreshments at Mr. Pig’s Smokery Kitchen & Cocktails, 2875 Winners Circle Drive, Shakopee, MN 55379
https://mrpigssmokery.com/smokery-menus/
This is one of the most isolated areas of the refuge with some interesting features, including a large glacial erratic boulder and historic home and farm sites. Louisville Swamp is a great place to see eagles, hawks and beaver activity year round. I expect we will see some flocks of birds on their migration journey.
THE HIKE: Expect to hike about 6 miles at a medium pace (~19-20 minute mile) for ~2 – 2 1/2 hours. We will pause a few times to take in the unique natural surroundings. The trails are all natural surface, including turf, rocks and gravel. Not a lot of elevation change here, but the surfaces are uneven. Be prepared for puddles and mud if there is rain prior to the hike.
I recommend bringing protection for ticks that are still found at this time of year, and sunscreen or protective clothing.
FACILITIES: There are vault-type toilets at the trailhead. No bathrooms along the trail. No drinking water at the trailhead, so please remember to bring from home.
Parking is FREE at the trailhead parking lot.
Sorry, no dogs, +1s or children allowed. Only Twin Cities Hiking Meetup members who agree to these expectations will be welcome on the hike.
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)
We will meet at the trail map sign by the parking lot.
I look forward to seeing you there!