AUGUST – SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER

http://cea-retired.com/hikingclub.htm

 General Information: Hikes are held on the second Thursday of each month year round and are about 2 hours long, followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant. Water, sturdy shoes, insect repellent and/or sunscreen, a hat, and a hiking stick may be helpful. We meet at the hike site, but carpooling is recommended. For out-of-town hikes carpoolers should donate $4 or more to the driver. For more information contact: Janie Reeves (614-436-7811).

 CLEAR CREEK METRO PARK – AUGUST 14, 2008 – 10 AM

DIRECTIONS: From I-270 go southeast on Rt. 33, use the by-pass around Lancaster, and continue on 33. Clear Creek is about 31 miles from 270.  Turn right off of 33 onto Clear Creek Road (County Road 116 - gas station on the corner).  Continue on this road about 3 miles to the second picnic area on the left (Fern Picnic Area). RESTROOM: Before arriving at Clear Creek you may choose to use the McDonald's restroom at Winchester Road that is before the Lancaster by-pass. There is a portable toilet at the Fern Picnic Area where we will meet. HIKE: We will be hiking part of Fern trail (moderate-difficult), Hemlock trail (difficult) and part of Creekside trail (easy). Almost all of the hike will be shaded, but there are some long hills and some rugged terrain. Rest stops are assured. Part of the trail is narrow, where long pants and walking single file may be helpful. These are beautiful trails with blankets of ferns, hemlock forest, and wonderful rock outcroppings. LUNCH will be at Todd’s Mountain View Restaurant (540 W. Fair Ave.) in Lancaster. It has a wide menu of reasonably priced sandwiches, salads, and entrees, including broasted chicken. Please RSVP Martha by Wednesday 5 PM, August 13, if you are planning to have lunch with us because cell phone service may not be available from the Fern Picnic Area. LEADERS: Martha Peck (614-855-3000) and Janie Reeves

 THREE CREEKS METRO PARK – SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 – 10 AM

DIRECTIONS: From I-270 go southeast on Rt. 33 to the S. Hamilton Rd. exit. Turn right on Hamilton and go about 1 mile to Bixby Rd. Turn right on Bixby and go about 1 mile to the park entrance on the right. Follow that road to the last parking lot and the restrooms. HIKE: The hike is fairly flat and easy. It will be partly on natural trails (might be muddy if rain has recently occurred) and partly on paved trails. LUNCH: Restaurant to be determined. LEADERS: Mary Ogi and Janie Reeves (614-436-7811)

 DILLON STATE PARK – OCTOBER 9, 2008 – 10 AM

DIRECTIONS: Route 161 east to SR 16 to Newark. Continue on SR 16 approximately 9 miles east of SR 79 to SR 146 East (Right turn from SR 16).  Travel approximately 8 miles to the traffic light at Township 47 (Clay Littick Dr.).  Turn right and drive less than 1 mile to Dillon Hills Dr. (near the park office).  Turn left and drive approximately 1 mile to the road for camping.  Turn right and then at the first left to the Camp store.  We will meet at the south end of the parking lot by the Camp store. A restroom is available. Alternate Route:  Take I- 70 East to Zanesville (approximately 55 miles from the center of Columbus).  Turn left at SR 146.  Travel approximately 7 miles to the traffic light at Township 47 (Clay Littick Dr.) Turn left and follow original directions above.  HIKE: The trail route is almost entirely in the woods.  Trails are hilly with tree roots and mud in spots, but with beautiful ravine views and a nice view of Dillon Lake.  On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the most difficult, this hike is 3 - 3.5.  LUNCH: Location to be determined, but please RSVP Martha by 5 PM Wednesday, October 8, if you are planning to have lunch with us because cell phone service may not be available from the hike site. LEADERS: Martha Peck (614-855-3000) and Mary Ogi