NorthStar Trail Travelers (NSTT) will sponsor a noncompetitive guided group walk on Saturday, October 29, at Afton State Park. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. Announcements at 9:45. The Scooters (see walk group definitions below) will start at 10 a.m. The Batsouttahell will start at approximately 10:15 a.m. and the Shufflers at 10:45 a.m. Note: Late arrivals will have to wait for the Scooters or Batsouttahell to return and join them on their second loop, or join the Shufflers 4km group.
Registration is at the Visitor Center. After the walk join us for a potluck lunch, our annual meeting and lots of door prizes! Bring along a dish to share — appetizers, salads, casseroles, bread, desserts … whatever … and your own beverage. NSTT provides the paper products and eating utensils.
Come walk with us!
Three routes will be available to walk.
- 6km: south from visitor center along grassy ski trail to flat hiking trail to South Camp area and shelter, then down a wide rocky trail to St. Croix River, along paved trail, then steps up or paved trail back up to Visitor Center. Hiking poles helpful.
- 4km: north along Hiking Club Trail past picnic area and overlook, then south along wide trail adjacent to ski area and back to Visitor Center. Trail is gently rolling. Hiking poles helpful uphill.
- 4km flat trail for Shufflers only: a flat trail south adjacent to beginning portion of 6km trail, upland only, with a lollipop trail to campground area and back to visitor center.
Walking speed groups are:
The Shufflers — This group will do just one loop and is the slow walking group that will stop at the top of hills to catch their breath, wait for pictures to be taken, and generally take their time and “smell the autumn leaves.”
The Scooters — The group will move along at a pretty average pace. It will stop when group members feel a need and will definitely not be breaking any speed laws.
The Batsouttahell — This is the fast group who may stop to read a marker or take a picture, but basically are very fast walkers.
Please walk with the group most closely resembling your style and walking speed. We want our group walks to be fun for everyone! This is a guided walk and according to AVA policies, ALL walkers must walk in a group with a group leader. No exceptions can be made as walkers on their own could represent a liability to NSTT and AVA if they are injured on the trail.