HIDDEN FALLS REGIONAL PARK - PERIMETER HIKE

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012


DIFFICULTY:  Easy to Moderate

ELEVATION:  Approx. 500 feet at start

HIKE DISTANCE:  5.5 miles  ---- a loop hike (except for about 1/2 mile)

GENERAL LOCATION:  Northeast of Lincoln

DESCRIPTION:  Hidden Falls is a fantastic place for hiking --- with nicely groomed trails and wonderful high points:  an overlook of the Seven Pools Area of Coon Creek, the striking cascades of Hidden Falls from the wonderful wooden platform, the sounds and sights of rushing water in Coon Creek and Deadman Creek, and pretty wildflowers to brighten the wooded environment!  There are many trails that criss-cross the Park, but we will hike trails that border the outer part or perimeter of the Park. Trails are a mix of ups and downs -- nothing very steep.  Lunch will be at the wooden platform where we can enjoy the beauty of Hidden Falls.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  30 minutes driving time and approximately 15 miles one way.  Return time to Lincoln --- approximately 1:30 pm.
A donation of $3 is suggested for riders.  Driving directions --- see below and print before coming to the hike, if driving.

HIKE LEADER:  Sue Geisler    SWEEP:  Penny Williams

SPECIAL NOTES:

    FACILITIES:  Nonflush toilets at the Park's parking lot.

    PREPARATION FOR HIKE:
       1) IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.
       2) Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.
       3) Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike.  DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.
       4) Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, and trekking poles (although they are not absolutely necessary -- no streams to cross). 

RISKS:  Poison oak is trailside, but can easily be avoided.  Ticks are known to be in the Park --- on the tips of grass blades, weeds, or brush stems --- and can easily be avoided by staying in the center of the trail and not brushing against foliage.  The best defense against ticks is to wear light colored long sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks.  The light colored clothing allows one to see that the ticks have hitched a ride, and then you can flick them off your clothing with your finger.


QUESTIONS:  Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010

MEETING TIME:  8:15 AM     LEAVING TIME:  8:30 AM



DRIVING DIRECTIONS:  There are many ways to get to the Park.  This is only one way, but is is the most straightforward (fewest turns)! 

Take Sun City Blvd. and turn right onto Ferrari Ranch Road. Turn right onto Hwy. 193. Follow 193 to Gold Hill Road and turn left (about 7 3/4 miles from OC Lodge).   Gold Hill will become Wise Road - stay straight to a T intersection, where there is a sign for Hidden Falls Regional Park. Turn right onto Mt. Vernon Road (now about 11 1/4 miles from OC Lodge).  Continue on Mt. Vernon Road until you come to Mears Road (signed for Hidden Falls) at just over 14 miles.  Turn left there and drive until you come to Mears Place --- the Park entrance is on the right --- second driveway.