North Alabama Sierra Club August 2018 Newsletter

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On our website:  http://alabama.sierraclub.org/na.html

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Outings

Hike Ratings

Easy - Less than 5 miles, no serious elevation changes, no trail obstacles.

Moderate - 5 to 10 miles, some elevation changes or rough trail (rock hopping), or trail obstacles such as creek crossings.

Strenuous - Over 10 miles, substantial elevation change, rocky, obstructed or nonexistent trail.

Exploratory - any event where the leader has not experienced the event; may fit any class above.

Note. Participants of Sierra Club outings are required to sign a waiver.


Tuesday, August 7 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Easy.   

Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com

Saturday, August 11 - Hikers’ 101 - Basic Hiking event. Easy.

Are you interested in hiking but not sure where to start? We will start with a brief talk about how to get started hiking. We will talk about equipment needed and what to expect. We will then talk about some of the local hiking opportunities and about some training plans to get in shape to tackle some of the tougher hikes. After the talk we will hike on one of the Land Trust’s newer trails, the Oak Park Trail. It will be about a 3-mile hike with some limited elevation gain. You will need to have sturdy, comfortable shoes and at least 1 liter of water. You may want to bring some snacks, walking stick/trekking poles, sunscreen, bug spray, a camera and some friends. Dress for the weather. Dogs on leashes who like hiking are welcome. Meet at 9:00am at the Land Trust Oak Park Trailhead - 2250 Oakwood Avenue Northeast, Huntsville, AL, 35801. Any questions, contact Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com 

Tuesday, August 14 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Easy. 

Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions, contact Patricia at pwales77@gmail.com

Tuesday, August 21 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Easy.

Depart at 6:00 p.m. sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com

Saturday, August 25 - Tumbling Rock Cave Trip. Strenuous.

Tumbling Rock Cave is one of Alabama’s finest caves. With over six miles of surveyed passage, it offers beginning and experienced cavers alike a true wild cave experience. The large trunk passage, called the borehole, is accompanied by a stream throughout most of its length. The borehole is occasionally interrupted by multiple intersecting passages with several rooms half filled with breakdown (giant piles of large rocks} Some of these passages become sandy crawls which can be fun as well as challenging. This outing is rated strenuous because of terrain conditions. Participants will need to be prepared for some climbing and crawling to navigate the cave. We will be in the cave for approximately 6 hours.  You WILL end up muddy. No caving experience necessary. A helmet and light will be provided. This outing is limited in participant number - we only have a permit for 9 people. To join this trip, you MUST sign the online permit/waiver no later than Aug. 22. Email me for instructions to fill out the online waiver and to learn where we will be meeting for this event, along with information on items you will need to bring. Please contact Aaron to confirm attendance/space availability, at sctrailevents@gmail.com

Saturday, August  25 - Monte Sano hike. Moderate.

Enjoy Huntsville’s jewel on this 6-7 mile hike. We will explore trails in the State Park, experiencing the beauty of the park in summer. Dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes. Bring a camera, water, snacks and some cash for the park entrance. Meet at the Hikers Parking Lot at 8:30am. The hike leaves at 9:00am sharp. Leashed dogs welcome. Rain cancels this hike. Questions, contact Patricia at pwales77@gmail.com

Tuesday, August  28 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Easy.   

Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com