Hello NOLA Hikers The Adventure Squad in conjunction with National Take A Hike Day, is sponsoring day hikes all across the country. I know it has been a minute since we all got together to explore all the wonderful outdoor spaces that exist here in Louisiana. So, let’s dust off those hiking boots and get ready to have some fun. About TickFaw State Park: Tickfaw State Park is located in Springfield LA. The park has four unique ecosystems, including a cypress/tupelo swamp. There are 7 individual trails. We will be hiking the River Loop Trail. This is a 2-mile trail that follows the Tickfaw river. There is also a really nice Nature Center with its own 1-mile trail that we can explore. The directions to the park are provided below. Address: 27225 Patterson Road Springfield, LA 70462-8906 Directions from New Orleans: Take I-10 W towards Baton Rouge. Once you cross the spillway, take exit 210 to merge onto I-55 towards Hammond. In 24 miles take exit 26 to merge onto LA-22 W towards Springfield. Continue straight onto Blood River Road, then turn right onto LA-1037 W/Blood River Road/Church street. In 1 mile turn left onto Patterson Road. There is a $3 dollar per person State Park Fee. Car Pool and Meet Up: For anyone wishing to car pool from New Orleans, please meet at Lakeside Shopping Center in the parking lot behind Dillard’s (Near Dicks Sporting Good). Please plan to arrive on time. We will leave promptly at 7:15 am. Note: Please come prepared to chip in for gas. In order to keep everyone's vehicle clean, before we drive home, we will request that all sandy, dirty shoes be put in plastic bags. Please bring flip flops or slippers or whatever you want to wear on your feet for the drive home. Hiking Gear: Proper gear is essential in ensuring your safety and the safety of the group. Since this is a Level I day hike, you will only need to bring a few things. • Hydration: Everyone must bring water (i.e., two 16.9 OZ bottles or one 32 OZ bottle at a minimum). We love the environment, so refillable bottles are always preferred. • Clothing: Please wear light, breathable layers. No jeans, tennis skirts, or short shorts. Since we will be hiking in Louisiana Swamp country and mosquitoes and flies are always a possibility, it is best to wear long sleeves and long tights or hiking pants. Normal Trek gear is allowed. GirlTrek shirts are always cool. I also recommend bringing a hat or scarf for head cover. • Footwear: Hiking shoes or boots are appropriate for this hike. Please do not wear hiking sandals, flip flops, converse sneakers, flat shoes with no traction. • Socks: Synthetic blend or merino wool socks are great for hiking. If you wear all cotton socks, please bring a spare pair, as you may need to change them if we hit any muddy or soggy areas along the trail. • Day Pack: Please bring a light durable daypack, drawstring-bag or small backpack to hold your water, extra gear, medications and snacks. This is a day hike, so pack light. Snacks and Water: Please bring your favorite snacks and at least two bottles of water for the trail. Bring a plastic bag for your trash, as we will practice "Leave No Trace", in order to ensure that we preserve nature just as we find it. Let's Turn It All The Way Up: I hope you are all as excited, as I am about the Adventure Squad Hike for National Take A Hike Day. I will need you guys to Facebook us, blow up Instagram and Twitter… #GirlTrek, #AdventureSquad and #BlackGirlsHike. Turn it all the way up...GirlTrek style. Let's Take A Hike!