Easy Hikes and Adventures
Next session: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 10:00am-11:00am
Details:
Time: Summer: May through September 9:00 am
Winter: October through April 10:00 am
Is it a social activity or is it an exercise program? You be the judge. Come join in the camaraderie and meet interesting new people while getting a little exercise in the process. We meet weekly on Friday mornings, generally at Pen Park (click on link for map), but sometimes we’ll head off and explore some of the other wonderful parks in the area. Additional adventures may include having a picnic or heading off to a restaurant or coffee after the hike. Be sure to check the Special Activities section listed below for our off-site hikes & dates.
This activity is ideal for folks of average physical condition. We explore some of the many trails the parks have to offer and will be walking on mostly unpaved trails. The pace and difficulty level would be considered moderate and will involve walking up and down some hills. A typical hike averages around 2 ¼ miles and lasts around an hour.
Join others at the same level of physical fitness and have a good time outdoors! Feel free to bring a friend, they're welcome to join us! Email Gary for details and any questions you have.
- Free and open to all.
- Registration Required.
- Register on MyActiveCenter
Meeting place for hikes:
Pen Park: Drive into the park and go past the tennis courts on your left. Turn left into the large parking lot and park near the sidewalk leading to the restrooms. We leave promptly at the times noted above, so arrive early if possible.
Special Activities: Meeting location and event info posted below.
Special Activities:
3rd Annual Preddy Creek Trails Park Hike and Potluck – Friday, March 6th @ 10am (rain date Friday, March 13th @ 10am)
Join us again for another great hike at Albemarle County’s premier hiking park! Preddy Creek Trails Park Location Meet us at the benches between the restrooms and the big map. Main trails are rolling, have occasional rocks and roots, and are generally well maintained. As always, good footwear is recommended and walking sticks if you like to use them. There is also a relatively level area beside the parking area that is great for anyone looking for a less challenging hike.
After our stroll through the woods, meet at Mickey’s, located nearby, for a potluck lunch. If you’d like to attend the lunch, please RSVP to Gary and submit your dish idea. We will update you on the location.
Boars Head Resort – Friday, April 3rd @ 10am (rain date Friday, April 10th)
We’re going upscale this month at Boar’s Head Resort! Boar's Head Location They have some nice hiking trails available, with both paved and unpaved areas passing by lakes and through meadows and woodlands. If the weather is nice, we’ll head out on the unpaved trails past the golf course to an old cemetery and a couple of scenic ponds. If the weather is less than ideal (or if some of you are looking for a less challenging hike,) we can still have a good hike on the paved surfaces. Meet in the parking lot of the main building and choose your footwear accordingly.
After hiking, join us for lunch in the Mill Room, which is located in the main building. Mill Room Lunch Menu Please RSVP to Gary for lunch so we can make a reservation ahead of time.
Grelen Nursery – Friday May 1st @ 9:30 am (rain date Friday, May 8th)
Come experience this unique hiking opportunity in Somerset, VA. Back by popular demand as this may have been last year’s most popular hike! Enjoy hiking the vast grounds while exploring an actual tree nursery, then stay for lunch after! They have some nice entrees on the menu, and I can personally vouch for the coffee ice cream! The market also has a nice gift shop and a nice variety of plants available.
Meet at the Market at Grelen Nursery Market Location. Please RSVP to Gary for lunch so we can give the kitchen a head count. Also, let me know if you’d like to carpool…we should be able to set something up.
Chris Green Lake Park – Friday, June 5th @ 9am (rain date, Friday June 12th)
This month’s hike and adventure features another of Albemarle County’s lakeside hiking parks followed by a visit to a nearby local Diner. Chris Green Lake Park is located on the north side of Albemarle County just past the CHO airport. After entering the park, go past the first two lefts and meet us at the roadside parking area on the left. Chris Green Lake Park roadside parking There will be some ups and downs, occasional rocks and a few places with tree roots straddling the trail, so wear good footwear and bring hiking sticks if you like to use them. After hiking, we’ll head stop by Tony’s Diner for lunch, which features Greek and traditional American meals. Tony's Diner Be sure to RSVP to Gary for lunch (be sure to indicate you’re staying for lunch) so we can give them a head count.
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail (Crozet Tunnel) – Friday, July 10th @ 9:30am (rain date, Friday July 17th)
Literally hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains on this 1 mile+/- decommissioned railroad tunnel. Location Map Be sure to bring a flashlight, and a hat and water-resistant hiking shoes or boots might come in handy if you have them. For more information on the history of the tunnel, click here: Blue Ridge Tunnel Foundation. Lunch after the hike at Blue Mountain Brewery Location Map Please RSVP to Gary for lunch (be sure to indicate you’re staying for lunch) so we can advise the restaurant.
Open to all.
Location:
Penn Park or See Details Above for Special Activities