September Hikes: 4 to 8 miles, 750 to 2,000 feet gain - Squak Mountain: Bullitt Fireplace Access

This is a relatively strenuous hike within the GoHike framework—8 miles with an elevation gain of +1750 feet with some steep parts (read below). If your Mountaineers profile doesn’t show similar hikes, I’ll reach out to ask about any private hikes or other activities you’ve been doing to help gauge your preparation. Safety First. 

Success on this hike means everyone feels welcomed, has a fun day, and feels supported. We'll stop for lunch at Debbie's View if the weather permits; otherwise, lunch at Bullitt Fireplace will be our backup option.

Tricky Spots: Some sections of our route (West Peak Trail) are wilder, featuring short, steep slopes and rooty terrain. Short, steep descents can become dry (if no rain) and slippery. Poles are mandatory in this section! These rugged areas have larger step-ups and downs. Despite some steeper parts, the unique beauty of West Peak Trail keeps me coming back, especially since it’s where the old "Green House" is. We'll slow down in tricky sections. On steeper parts, it’s crucial to hike at your own pace rather than trying to keep up with faster hikers, as attempting to match their pace can lead to avoidable injuries.

• Questions to Consider:

  • Have you hiked similar distances, elevations, and terrains in the past 3-4 months? Specifically, can you comfortably handle an 8-mile hike at a pace of 1.75 to 2 mph with a 1,750-foot elevation gain? Please note that due to the length of the hike, we will be maintaining a minimum moving pace of 1.75 mph.

  • Are you comfortable staying loosely together as a group and making frequent pauses to regroup?

  • Are you prepared for the hike’s duration, with an estimated completion time of approximately 5.5 to 6 hours?

  • Have you tackled similar challenging sections, such as rooty, steep, and dry trails? (We’ll slow our pace on West Peak Trail, but please avoid trying to catch up with others.)