Monday Meander #18 - Easy to moderate hike - 3 to 4 miles - Cromwell Valley Park

**Please note the NEW START TIME for Fall: 9:30 am.** Join me for a short hike at Cromwell Valley Park — let’s start the week with an energizing walk, immersed in nature and shared with fellow nature-loving people. We’ll explore beautiful woodland trails, cross a few streams, and climb a hill or two. **This hike is on the moderate side of easy: we usually climb one pretty big hill and hike at about 2.4 mph with several breaks along the way.** **This is a regular hike** \- same place and time on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month\. Distances will vary slightly\, but generally expect about 4 miles in 2 hours\. Join one or many\! **HIKE DETAILS:** * \~4 miles, 400 - 600 ft elevation gain, 2 hours * **Pace:** 2.4 mph or so with lots of breaks * **Please bring at least 16 oz of water** * Please bring **hiking poles** if you find them helpful on hills and when crossing streams **MEETING PLACE:** Cromwell Valley Park has two entrances. Please use the **first entrance** off Cromwell Bridge Road (if coming from the Beltway) — the Sherwood entrance. Follow the access road, drive through the white gates, and turn right at the fork. Then follow the one-way road to the parking lot. We'll meet near the white house and porta-potties. **DOGS:** If you'd like to bring your dog(s), please let the group know in the comments (some hikers may prefer not to hike with or near dogs). Only one dog/dog family per hike, please. **IMPORTANT:** Please remember that you are responsible for your own safety. **Hiking is an inherently risky outdoor activity, and while every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, each participant is ultimately responsible for their own well-being.** Please come prepared with adequate water, appropriate footwear, and any necessary medications. If you have any questions or concerns about whether this outing is right for you, please don't hesitate to reach out beforehand. Please note that your hike leaders are volunteers and are not professionally trained guides.