Mercer Arboretum Hike

Let’s hike the Arboretum and nearby parks and visit the Botanical Garden afterwards as a little lagniappe! The arboretum side is a paved loop amongst the trees that connects to a wooded natural trails park for a good figure eight loop. This is the primary hike at around 6 miles but feel free to do any combo you prefer!

The Botanical Garden can be reached by a walkable underpass or driven to for some nice botanicals and a good turtle pond. You can enjoy it many ways like for all the plants or as another nice walk of almost any length - not hard to do another couple of miles if you're going the distance!

FYI, there a several places to park in the Arboretum if the meeting point is full. Facilities available on both sides. If you are running late, you could drive to the end of the park and wait for the group at the exit to the bike path.

Caveats:
I am by no means a professional guide, so please be responsible for your own safety, be prepared to navigate on your own, and be physically able to enjoy the hiking.

All levels of experience welcome, but be sure to inform us beforehand of any accommodations or particular interests and we'll go from there. I have no ego involved in the route or pace, so just keep me informed if you are faster or slower than the main body of the group or have other suggestions.

Weather:
Average weather is pretty moderate in March, but be prepared! Temps usually range from low 50s at night to high-70s daytime. Overcast or mostly cloudy about 40% of the time. Thunderstorms and lightening possible, so watch the weather forecasts! In case of lightening, we will cancel this and move the hike to a later date.

Semper preperavit!

Recommendations:
I always recommend plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen & insect repellent as a start.
Check out hiking guidelines online for other suggestions if you are new to hiking or need a refresher. I would download the map and/or have a paper back up if you are cautious, too!

Courtesies:
Edit your RSVP! I would rather have more people show up than have delays waiting for those who don't. Please don't sign up if you are tentative; just show up! If you do need to cancel, please edit your RSVP asap!
Communicate! Things happen! If you experience delays, comment or dm and keep us informed. This holds for during events, too. We will adjust or accommodate whenever possible.