Casual Slow Hike on the Cranberry Trail and around Pakim Pond

The Cranberry Trail is a handicapped accessible trail going from the ranger station in Brendan Byrne State Forest over to Pakim Pond. It is about 3.4 miles each way. It is mostly cinder and dirt. It goes through upland woods and cedar swamps.

To start we will go around Pakim Pond using the Nature Trail (about 1 mile) and then head onto the Cranberry Trail and go all the way to the Ranger Station.

Since I am no long able to hike over 6 miles, this hike will involve a SHUTTLE where we meet at one end, carpool to the other, hike our hike, then drive back to the other cars. DO NOT sign up if you are uncomfortable either driving others or being driven by others. Although required to participate in the hike, the car shuttle is not part of the OCSJ event.

Approximate schedule: 9:40 meet at Ranger Station; 9:45 sharp 1/2 cars (with all hikers) leave for Pakim Pond; hike Nature Trail 10-10:30; hike Cranberry Trail back to Ranger Station 10:30-1:00 (with 15-20 minute lunch stop); Get in cars there and those drivers take us back to our cars at Pakim Pond (1:00-1:30).

Hike leader: Dawn Tepper
Anticipated Distance: \~ 4.5 miles
Expected Speed: slow 25-30 minutes/mile. Faster in beginning, slower at end.

Number of planned breaks: As needed. Fewer in beginning, more near end, one longer break 15-20 minutes, to eat something.

Bathrooms: At either end, Ranger Station and Pakim Pond there are flushies; and approximately halfway down the Cranberry Trail there is a pit toilet.

Be sure to bring water, even in the cold. I also recommend at least a snack for the break or lunch. Or watch me eat.

Be sure to be prepared for the weather.
Hunting season starts in October, so it is a good idea to wear blaze orange.

Arrive a few minutes ahead of time to sign in and use the bathroom. If you are not ready to participate in the shuttle at 9:45, expect to be left behind. Safety talk to be given at other end.

Take your preferred tick, chigger, and flying insect precautions.

I drive a dark blue/gray Toyota Sienna minivan. I wear a skirt.
Any questions ahead of time, email [dGhldGVwcGVycyB8IGNvbWNhc3QgISBuZXQ=( http://theteppers@comcast.net)]( http://mailto:theteppers@comcast.net/). Problems the day of, you can text 609-742-8803.

Constant rain, wind chills below 25, heat index above 85 degrees, or other nasty weather of the same ilk cancels. If above 60 degrees and only isolated showers or mist, hike will be on but may be modified.

The nitty gritty:

Dogs: I’m neutral. Your well behaved, leashed dog is welcome to hike with me at the back of the group. It is YOUR responsibility to determine/confirm that dogs are permitted on a specific trail. If you plan to bring your dog, please note it in the comments such that people who prefer not to hike with dogs are aware.
Why do I often title my hikes as casual? Because my pace varies on how I’m feeling and the makeup of the group that day. Unless I title my hike as slow, my pace falls within the moderate level, whether I’m using my rollator, hiking sticks or pushing a stroller. My distances are generally short to mid range. I also like to look at nature, take time for photos, spot interesting things and don’t mind stopping for comfort breaks. If you want to go fast, you picked the wrong leader/hike.
As anyone who has hiked with me in the past knows, I have Multiple Sclerosis. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently depending on which nerves are being attacked. I have been blessed to have had somewhat mild symptoms. The location, types of hikes, distance, and pace that I choose are generally based on my current symptoms, if any. Occasionally, I will need to adjust a route or take more frequent breaks. If appropriate, I may use hiking sticks or a rollator.
If a hike is titled as a family hike expect at least one of my elementary school aged children to be accompanying me. The pace will be on the slow end of moderate.
* If a hike is labeled as slow, not just casual, expect the hike to be slow not moderate.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in New Lisbon.