The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

Our Beginner Winter Wonderland Wednesday Ski Tours are targeted to beginners and novice skiers - all levels of skiers  welcome.   Plan to ski about 1 - 2 hours.    

Bring your own headlamp as this tour will last about 1 - 2 hours.    

You will need your own ski equipment but the Ski Tour Leader may have some bushwacking skis available with a snowshoe-type binding.   Please contact Nigel in advance.  

Terrain - rolling and gentle hills.   Open meadows.  Be prepared for some wind.

Dress appropriately (bring several layers) and bring a snack and hydration.     

Beginner lessons available.   Please ask Nigel,  the Tour Leader if you are interested.  

Dogs on leash permitted at Lindsay-Parsons but you may need to ski on your own.     More information on their Public Use Policies here. 

Snowshoers welcome too. 

Map Resources: 

MyHikes.org Trail Map - Interactive map showing all 7 trails with topography and photos.  

PDF Brochure with Trail Map here. 

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

Our Beginner Winter Wonderland Wednesday Ski Tours are targeted to beginners and novice skiers - all levels of skiers  welcome.   Plan to ski about 1 - 2 hours.    

Bring your own headlamp as this tour will last about 1 - 2 hours.    

You will need your own ski equipment but the Ski Tour Leader may have some bushwacking skis available with a snowshoe-type binding.   Please contact Nigel in advance.  

Terrain - rolling and gentle hills.   Open meadows.  Be prepared for some wind.

Dress appropriately (bring several layers) and bring a snack and hydration.     

Beginner lessons available.   Please ask Nigel,  the Tour Leader if you are interested.  

Dogs on leash permitted at Lindsay-Parsons but you may need to ski on your own.     More information on their Public Use Policies here. 

Snowshoers welcome too. 

Map Resources: 

MyHikes.org Trail Map - Interactive map showing all 7 trails with topography and photos.  

PDF Brochure with Trail Map here. 

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

Our Beginner Winter Wonderland Wednesday Ski Tours are targeted to beginners and novice skiers - all levels of skiers  welcome.   Plan to ski about 1 - 2 hours.    

Bring your own headlamp as this tour will last about 1 - 2 hours.    

You will need your own ski equipment but the Ski Tour Leader may have some bushwacking skis available with a snowshoe-type binding.   Please contact Nigel in advance.  

Terrain - rolling and gentle hills.   Open meadows.  Be prepared for some wind.

Dress appropriately (bring several layers) and bring a snack and hydration.     

Beginner lessons available.   Please ask Nigel,  the Tour Leader if you are interested.  

Dogs on leash permitted at Lindsay-Parsons but you may need to ski on your own.     More information on their Public Use Policies here. 

Snowshoers welcome too. 

Map Resources: 

MyHikes.org Trail Map - Interactive map showing all 7 trails with topography and photos.  

PDF Brochure with Trail Map here. 

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

The Chase the Snow Ski Tours are largely targeted to novice and intermediate skiers and are intended to be social and an opportunity to meet other skiers and explore ski trails.    When specific details are posted about the ski tour, the Tour Leader will provide more information about the destination, where to meet, length of tour, trail difficulty, etc.  

The number of Chase the Snow Ski Tours that the club can offer depends enormously on those who volunteer to lead a tour.    We encourage you to consider leading or co-leading a tour.    More information about leading or co-leading a tour can be found here.   Please contact Jen Woltjen, Tour Coordinator at  jennifer.woltjen@gmail.com if you are interested in leading a tour.    

Hike Details 

If we do not have any local snow, then let's hike.   Join us on the Jim Schug Trail near Dryden Lake.    This trail is a relatively flat with lots of opportunities for viewing winter wildlife.    Bring your hiking/ski poles and we can get in an excellent upper-body aerobic workout.   

Plan on about 1 hour or so depending on the weather but this is an out-and-back trail with opportunities to make your workout as short or as long as you wish.      Wear good walking shoes, dress in layers and bring water/snack.   Restroom facilities available near the parking area.  After our workout, please join me for coffee/snacks at the the Corner Brew in Dryden, NY (at the light) 

Nigel will review several Trail Map Apps with location information embedded in the maps. 

• Avenza Maps - The NY DEC, NY Parks, maps that are GeoPDF.

• Maprika - Uses its own proprietary format.

Quick overview of the different types:

Geocoded or Georeferenced Maps

• Maps that have geospatial data added to the existing file.

• Contain embedded coordinates that allow you to track your actual location on the map.

• These are raster or bitmap files – a distinct number of dots, an image file.

GeoPDF maps

• PDF, Portable Document Format that contain embedded coordinates that allow you to track your actual location on the map.

• DEC is now using georeferencing in many of our recreation maps as a public service that will improve safety for people who enjoy outdoor activities on the nearly 5 million acres of lands we manage.

• Georeferenced PDF Maps - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation

• https://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/120176.html

Track logs are another type of digital file.

• Digital breadcrumbs that lay out a route.

• These are a bunch of line segments.

• GPS units, GPS Apps, use these files – Gia GPS, Trail Forks, All Trails.

• KML, GPX are the usual file extension – they are used to describe waypoints, tracks, and routes.

• Route file is overlaid over a base map built into the GPS or GPS App.

Where are you?   This is a common refrain when:

• You are trying to meet with others on your trip

• Your location is critical if you need to call for help or to report an incident.   An accurate location saves first responders' time.  

Nigel will review the various apps you can use.   

Please join us at our Fall Social/Club meeting.    You do not need to be a member to come.   We have lots of announcements so mark your calendars now.

We will convene at the Hopshire Brewery Event Room in Freeville, New York at 4 PM for beverages and appetizers. Hopshire Brewery offers beer, wine and cider on tap in addition to sodas and juice. Cash bar in the adjacent Hopshire Brewery tasting room.

The Board members will bring some appetizers/snacks but we kindly ask that you bring an appetizer/snack to share if you can. Last time we did this, it was a huge success and we had lots of delicious food to share.

Tentative Agenda -

4 PM to 5:15 PM - Social Hour

5:15 PM to 5:45 PM - Club Updates and Announcements on Upcoming Ski Tours and Trips

Mark your calendar.    All are invited - current members, past members and guests.    More details coming soon.  

Hike Details 

Come explore the cross country ski trails (ungroomed) in this state forest located near Newark Valley in eastern Tioga County.   Oakley Corners State Forest encompasses about 1,160 acres with two ponds popular for fishing, camping, boating and wildlife habitat.   About 15 miles of multiple use trails available for many kinds of activities including mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.    The trails are suitable for all levels of skiers depending on the snow cover.   The purpose of this hike is to become familiar with the ski trail system on the south side of the forest.     

Be prepared to walk/hike about 2.5 to 3  hours with some elevation gain and uneven terrain.   Options available for a choice of a shorter or longer hike depending on preference.   Wear good hiking shoes, dress in layers and bring lunch/snack/water.   Hiking poles recommended.     Cell service may be limited so contact hike leader(s) if any questions before 11 AM on day of hike.    

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

Event Details 

Come by 487 Ringwood Road to help collect trash on about 1.5 miles of Ringwood Road.  Afterwards, we will consume coffee, tea and fresh pastries from the Ithaca Bakery!    We could use about 5 - 6 volunteers.  Please let Jack Rueckheim know by emailing himat  johnrueckheim@gmail.com.                 Thank you very much!  

Hike Details 

Join us at the Yellow Barn State Forest to explore a popular local area for cross country skiing on ungroomed trails.   The Yellow Barn State Forest usually gets and retains more snow because of its higher elevation.     Therefore, you may find snow at Yellow Barn in the winter months when there is no snow in lower elevations.   Many of the trails are beginner-friendly for skiers but you will find a variety of trails to ski.   Yellow Barn State Forest covers 1,289 areas and is also used for snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.  

This will be an out-and-back easy and relaxed-paced hike with a loop at the far end for a total of about 3 - 4 miles.     Be prepared to walk/hike about 3 - 4 miles with some elevation gain and uneven terrain.   Wear good hiking shoes, dress in layers for the weather and bring a snack/water.   Hiking poles recommended.   

Parking available at the snowplow turn-around and along the road nearby.   Please pay attention to parking signs and private property.    If you will have trouble navigating to the trailhead, contact the hike leader at the email address above. 

Optional - Download the Geo PDF and the Avenza App as we will use this to plan and track our route. Download the PDF to your phone.

• Map: Yellow Barn State Forest Map (GeoPDF)

•  GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

• Follow the instructions for downloading the Avenza App

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

Hike Details 

Join us at the Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland to explore a popular nature center that offers cross country skiing on ungroomed trails.    Although their trail system is not large (a 2.25 mile loop), it is rated as easy to moderate so this is a good place for beginners or advanced beginners to get some experience.   A visitor center is available.   The trails meander through gently rolling hills, open fields, pine forests and by nearby ponds and streams.    

For today's hike, plan to hike about 2 hours.  Wear appropriate footwear (water-resistant), dress in layers and bring water and a snack.   We will NOT meet at the Lime Hollow Visitor's Center parking area BUT we will park and meet instead at their parking area at 3270 Gracie Road, Cortland, NY (where the Lehigh Valley Railroad (now a trail) crosses Gracie Road).   

Dogs are not permitted on Lime Hollow Nature Center grounds.    Hunting with guns is not permitted either but we suggest wearing orange just to be safe. 

Lime Hollow Information on trails and trail maps 

Optional - Download the Avenza map in advance on your Avenza app and you can use the trail map while you hike. 

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

Hike Details 

This Broome County park is a hidden gem for cross country skiing and is located about 20 miles from the Ithaca area.   At the center of the Park is a beautiful lake.   When we have enough snow, the Park staff grooms many of the trails.    Come explore the trails in the summer so you know where you can ski comfortably when the snow flies.   Greenwood County Park has over 7 miles of trails for cross country skiing - ranging from easy to advanced trails.  Some of the trails have views of the lake.   The hike leader will show you her favorite ski trails for skiers of all abilities.   In the winter, a modest trail fee is charged (around $5.00) and rental equipment is available for a nominal fee too.  Be prepared to walk/hike about 2 hours with some elevation gain and uneven terrain.   Wear good hiking shoes, dress in layers and bring snack/water.   Hiking poles recommended.  

About Greenwood Park: modern restroom facilities available.   No admittance fee charged to park your vehicle and use the trails.   Park in the main parking lot (just left of the main entrance) closest to the beach near the tall pine trees.   After our hike, we can enjoy a snack at a picnic table overlooking the lake.    

If you have any questions about where we are meeting, please contact Jen by 8:30 AM of the day of the hike.   Often there is poor or no cellphone service at Greenwood, so it is good to make sure you know where we are meeting before you set out.   

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

Hike Details 

Join us at the Ringwood Ponds Natural Area, affiliated with the Cornell Botanic Gardens,  to explore its unique topography, diverse plants and wildlife.  The area is known for its rolling glacial landscape, with steep slopes, dry ridge tops, deep kettle holes, vernal ponds and forested swamps.   Noteworthy is the abundance and diversity of amphibians, uncommon nesting birds associated with the ponds and unusual aquatic insects, including fairy shrimp.  

We plan to hike the mostly out-and-back trails with a relaxed-paced for a total of about 2 - 3 miles.     Be prepared for some elevation gain and uneven terrain.   Wear good hiking shoes, dress in layers for the weather and bring a snack/water.   Hiking poles recommended.   

Parking available at a designated parking area along the road.      If you may have trouble navigating to the trailhead, please contact the hike leader before the hike at the email address above. 

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

Hike Details 

Explore the Jim Schug Trail near Dryden Lake.   Last winter, the Jim Schug Trail received enough snow a few times that club members could ski on it.  This trail is suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers.  

For our hike, we will meet at the location described above, near the intersection of Lake Road with the Trail.   This trail is a relatively flat trail with lots of opportunities for wildlife and bird viewing along the way.      Plan to hike/walk for up to 2 hours but this is an out-and-back trail with opportunities to make your hike/walk as short or as long as you wish.        Wear good walking shoes, dress in layers and bring water/snack.       More information online about the Trail. 

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

Hike Details 

Join us at the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area to explore a popular local area for cross country skiing on ungroomed trails.   Connecticut Hill, located just 16 miles south of Ithaca,  encompasses over 11,000 acres and usually receives and retains more snow because of its higher elevation.    The hike starts at the intersection of Connecticut Hill, Boylan and Lloyd Starks Roads.   At this intersection, you will see a large sign for the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Area and a D.E.C. bulletin board/kiosk with a rudimentary map of the roads on Connecticut Hill.   Park on the side of the road.  We plan to hike the trails on Rowell Hill which are suitable for advanced beginners and intermediate skiers.   Plan to hike about 2 to 2.5 hours.  Wear good hiking shoes, dress in layers and bring snack/water.   Hiking poles recommended.    Dogs allowed only on leash during the entire hike.  

Driving directions from Ithaca - 

The link to the PDF map will aid those coming from Ithaca, showing the turn-off onto Millard Hill Rd (look for Trumbull Corners 4 miles sign on Rt. 13).   Then 4 miles to the stop sign in Trumbull Corners.  Then cross Trumbull Corners road onto Cayutaville road.  Take the left at the "Y"-ing onto Connecticut Hill Road.    You park at the first intersection, where Ct. Hill Rd meets Boylan and Lloyd Starks Road.     Look for a Ct. Hill Wildlife Management Area sign and a kiosk/notice board.

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

Shindagin Hollow State Forest is full of lovely trails.  Today, we plan to use mostly the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) to avoid most mountain bikers (not allowed on the FLT).    Our hike is mostly on pretty forested trails with a lot of shade so nice on a hot day.  The hike is not very hilly but it is very rough and rooty.   We plan to hike the FLT, R3, R5 and R2.  

We recommend wearing good boots and bring a hiking pole.   Dogs welcome if well-behaved.  

We plan to hike about 4 - 5 miles in a loop but options exist for those who wish to turn back earliers.  

Trail maps will be provided at the hike.    More information on Shindagin at shindagin.com 

Details on directions/parking - 

Using the Google Map link above, we will meet on Braley Hill Road but NOT at the main parking lot(s).   Keep going and there is a pull off near where the Finger Lakes Trail crosses Braley Hill Road.   

Driving directions from Brooktondale:  follow Brooktondale Road out of Brooktondale and this road changed to Valley Road.      Valley Road becomes Central Chapel Road.   Stay on Central Chapel until you see a right turn onto Braley Hill Road.  Turn right on Braley Hill Road.  Pass the parking lots on both sides of the road and keep going until you see a pull-off and park along the road.   

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!

Hike Details

Hammond Hill has about 20 miles of multi-use trails. It is popular for ungroomed cross-country skiing that is relatively close to Ithaca and Dryden.  The higher elevation results in significantly more snow than in downtown Ithaca.  Most of the trails are rolling hills and may not be suitable for beginner skiers. This hike will leave from the main parking lot on Hammond Hill Road.  Based on the group consensus, we will look at the map and plan a 3.5 to - 5 mile hike. The goal of the hike is to orient the group to the trails that are particularly suited to cross-country skiing as well as some navigation tips to avoid getting lost.

If you are unsure on how to find the trailhead meeting location, please contact the hike leader before 9 AM of the day of the hike.  

Optional - Download the Geo PDF and the Avenza App as we will use this to plan and track our route. Download the PDF to your phone.

• Map: Hammond Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) 

• GeoPDF Instructions 

• Follow the instructions for downloading the Avenza App.

In case of inclement weather, any changes will be announced as early as possible, so always check your email before leaving home to drive to the trailhead.    Please make sure you are subscribed to the Google Group email list.  

Hiking carries inherent risks. Before you join a hike, make sure you are at an appropriate fitness level to hike for two hours over rough terrain in varying weather conditions. Also, come with appropriate hiking gear, such as footwear designed for hiking. In the summer, you should carry water and use insect repellent and/or sun protection. For winter hikes, foot traction is necessary for icy conditions.   Hikers join us at their own risk, so be prepared!