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Hikers and their dogs are invited to join Conserving Carolina and the Foothills Humane Society on Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. for a 5.5-mile hike at Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve in South Carolina. Conserving Carolina’s Community Engagement Director, Pam Torlina will lead the hike.

This is a great opportunity to give a shelter dog a break from the shelter and allow them to enjoy a nice, socializing walk in the woods. There is a limit to the number of dogs that can come from the shelter, so if you’re interested in walking a dog, please contact Dee Anderson, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator for FHS, by Wednesday, April 3 to arrange a time for training orientation, pairing with the appropriate dog and to sign a volunteer waiver. Dee can be reached at volunteer@foothillshumanesociety.org. 

Participants may also bring their own dog on the hike so long as they are kept on a leash and do not have any nose-to-nose meetings with the shelter dogs.

The 5.5-mile hike is 2.75 miles out and 2.75 miles back, and it starts out as relatively easy, winding through new-growth forest and along several streams, gradually becoming moderately strenuous as the trail ascends Squirrel Mountain through a rich hardwood forest with beautiful rock outcroppings. After reaching the ridge top, the trail descends Squirrel Mountain through a lush cove forest to the South Pacolet River at the base of Chestnut Ridge.

If you are interested in attending the Conserving Carolina/FHS hike at Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve, pre-registration is mandatory, and space is limited to 20 participants. To RSVP and sign up for the hike, visit Conserving Carolina’s website calendar event at conservingcarolina.org/calendar.  

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear and dogs must be on a leash and accustomed to being around many other dogs. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water (don’t forget snacks for your pooch!). Please be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require. 

In case of inclement weather, please contact Pam Torlina by e-mail by 8 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina website event or Facebook page to see if the hike will take place. 

 

Submitted by Pam Torlina