- Estimated Cost: $15
- Deposit: $10
- Max Trip Size: 20 people
Check out Birch Lakes State Forest and the Lake Wobegon Trail. We have the entire private group camp area reserved (five sites tucked into a heavily wooded area). The park has seven miles of multi-use trails (hiking and mountain biking). Cycling outings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with lunch stops in small town cafes. We’ll break into smaller groups for short/long rides and fast/slow paces.
If you’re not interested in cycling, there’s still plenty to do! Big Birch Lake is walking distance away, has 12 miles of shoreline and is well known for fishing. Crystal clear water for kayaking. The El Rancho Manana riding stable is a short drive away in Richmond or you could visit Whispering Oaks Winery in Melrose. On the drive home Sunday we could stop at Lake Maria State Park for some hiking.
Bring your own food, snacks, beverages, plates/utensils, lawn chair, and camping gear. You can borrow tents and sleeping bags from the cage, but you’ll need to make arrangements with a cage coordinator to reserve, pick-up and return items. Meals will be on your own, with a pot-luck on Saturday evening. A small charcoal grill will be available. I’ll take sign-ups and deposits now. Carpooling will be arranged as the trip gets closer. There’s no entry fee for state forests, but you’ll need a state park sticker for hiking at Lake Maria State Park.
Estimated cost: $15 plus gas & food. Deposit: $10. Max trip size: 20ish.
Sue W.