Casual and slow Hike at Forsythe Galloway

We will be exploring some of the accessible trails. Highlights will include going to the Overlook area via Wildlife Drive, walking down to Gull Pond Tower, going on the short trails around the parking area, and possibly walking down Wildlife Drive to the first tower.

Since I am an annual pass holder ($12), I often forget that there is a daily fee. Pedestrians and bicyclists have a daily rate of $2.00. If you want to drive around Wildlife Drive it is $4.00 (which also covers walking). The office is open Wednesday-Sunday 10:00-2:00. But they do provide envelopes and a drop box. I have included a link for more information. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe/visit-us

Hike Leader: Dawn Tepper

Anticipated Distance: +/-4 miles
Expected Speed: Slow to Very Slow 30-35 minutes per mile, but as the weather cools, I’ll probably go 25-30 minutes per mile.
Number of planned breaks: as needed, approximately every mile, but as the weather cools, I’ll need fewer breaks,
Bathrooms: permanent pit toilets off of parking lot.

Be sure to bring plenty of water. I also recommend at least a snack for the break or lunch.

Be sure to be prepared for the weather. In warm/hot weather: cooling neck cloths, neck fans, sun hats, sunglasses, etc. Cold weather: hats, mittens, waterproof footwear

Please plan to arrive ten minutes ahead of time to sign in and use the bathroom. I start the safety talk 5 minutes before and then start.

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

If we're in the woods, hunting season is October 1st-April 30? Just found out turkey season goes through April! Highly recommend wearing bright orange somewhere during this time.

I drive a dark blue/gray Toyota Sienna minivan. I wear a skirt.

Any questions ahead of time, email [email protected] (http://mailto:[email protected]/). Problems the day of, you can text 609-742-8803.

Constant rain, heat index above 85 degrees, wind chill below 30 degrees or other nasty weather of the same ilk may cancel. If above 60 degrees and only isolated showers or mist, hike will be on but may be modified.

The nitty gritty:

I am currently scheduling only 1 hike per week which I know is low for me. Good news: it is not due to my MS. My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. I’ll be spending a couple of days per week driving her to her appointments.

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 am blessed to still be able to walk and get out in nature. The location, types of hikes, distance, and pace that I choose are generally based on my current symptoms. Occasionally, I will need to adjust a route or take more frequent breaks. If appropriate, I may use hiking sticks or a rollator. (The rollator provides balance and a convenient seat if I need to give my leg a break.)
On November 16, 2025 I had a relapse which was brought on mainly by stress and doing too much. I had to take it easy for a few weeks but now I’m back. I will be taking it easy.
One of the more prominent side effects/symptoms of my MS is heat intolerance. And for me, depending on humidity levels, it can start around 80 degrees. I will be slow and taking frequent breaks in this weather.
I have developed ataxia on my left leg associated with my MS. This is causing some knee/ankle pain since my gait is being altered and they are trying to compensate.
My pace will vary on how I’m feeling and the makeup of the group that day. I 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. If I title my hike as slow and I’m going faster than ‘advertised’. Please let me know and I’ll slow down. (Not a problem since November.)
If a hike is titled as a family hike expect at least one of my elementary school aged children to be accompanying me.
Dogs: I’m neutral. The OCSJ has recently enacted rules concerning dogs. 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. In addition, the OCSJ has recently enacted rules concerning dogs:
- It is up to each leader whether dogs are allowed on an event. Members should assume dogs are not allowed unless they have express permission from the leader\, each time.
- Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet
- Dogs must be under owner's control at all times.
- Dogs must stay at the back of the group
- Owners must clean up after their dog
- Dogs must not be allowed near wildlife
- Dogs must not be allowed to jump on anyone
- To protect our leaders from pressure\, these rules are not negotiable. If the leader allows dogs\, these rules must be enforced..