Sunday Hike @ Castlewood State Park 01.26.20

This Sunday we will be hiking at Castlewood State Park! For those of you that joined us a couple weeks prior, the original plan was Castlewood, but due to the snow we had to divert to Bluffview Trail. So we dedicate this Sunday as a redo!

Here is everything you need to know about Sunday!

1. About Castlewood State Park: Castlewood is an 1,800 acre recreational park that runs along the Meramac River. Fishing, Boating, Hiking and Biking is allowed in the park. The park is home to what use to be hotel resorts that ran along the Mermac River.
2. Our Hike: The trail we will be hiking is 3.1 miles and rated as moderate. Upon conclusion of that trail we will continue on to another 4 mile trail. This allows an opportunity for beginner hikers to depart or carry on with the group. The 3.1 mile trail is one of the most spectacular trails in the park and includes a climb to and series of bluffs overlooking the Mermac. The 3.1 mile trail is a loop and will take us back to the parking lot where we began. 3 miles should take about 1.5-2 hours with stops. For those that will be moving on the with the group the additional 4 mile trail is also a loop and will take approximately 1.5-2 hours with stops. Anyone planning to hike the full 7 miles plan on finishing by 2:30pm.
3. Meet Up: 9:30am at Castlewood State Park. The exact meetup location will only be emailed out to everyone that has registered. Please continue below to register.
4. Things to Bring/Must Haves: comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes (hiking shoes/boots or sneakers with good traction) a jacket, water and bug spray. It is important to hike in comfortable shoes whether those are hiking boots or tennis shoes. If you are wearing sneakers I wouldn’t recommend wearing your nicest ones as they may get dirty. Dress warm and layer up! You will also want to bring light snacks and a backpack to hold everything.
5. Optional Things to Bring: headphones, go pro.
6. What to Expect: The total hike should take about 2 hours for the first half and an additional 2 hours for the 2nd half. We will stop along the way to take in the views and photos of course. The are restrooms next to the parking lot that you may want to use when you get there. They do have restrooms spread through out this park but the next restroom is not until towards the end of the trail. The trail starts out pretty steep but the rest is relatively flat. Is it possible that some areas of the trail may be a little muddy and dirty. The trail is one big loop and will take us back to where we first started. Once we start the hike you will not have the opportunity to go back to your car to we finish.
7. The environment: These hikes are meant to be relaxing, therapeutic, but physically challenging. We encourage being adventurous and having fun but we also encourage safety and respect for others. On this particular hike we will have people of all ages and we welcome friendly dogs on a leash as well.
8. Weather: The forecast for Sunday is predicted at a high of 40 and low of 26. I would recommend layering up with at least three layers. The first layer you want to avoid cotton as cotton can you make you colder. Your outer layer should be a jacket that you can take off if you decide too once it warms up. I also recommend gloves and a hat or ear warmers.
9. Lunch: We usually go somewhere to eat lunch afterwards as a group. This is completely option but if you decide to join us you will want to bring money with you.
10. About Us: @blackpeoplewhohike was created to inspire people of color to step out of their comfort zones and get active outside! We meet every Sunday morning at a different location in the St. Louis area. Current Sunday Funday activities have included hiking, rock climbing, kayaking and hot yoga! Future Sunday Funday actives include bicycling, skiing and zip lining. We have new people that join each week who are new to these various activities and we welcome that! This group is all about new experiences! We are on Instagram at @blackpeoplewhohike. If you are not already following us, please do so here! https://www.instagram.com/blackpeoplewhohike

@Blackpeople is a group of friends and perspective friends who enjoy hiking and other activities together. It is not a professional event planning or guide service that assumes any responsibility for your safety.