Osage Hills hikers set summer event

Osage Hills Hiking Club will be offering its first-ever Summer Solstice Hikes this Saturday at Osage Hills State Park.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at OHSP Shelter No. 1, and the hikes will start at 10 a.m. to take advantage of the slightly cooler temperatures. Event organizers said the hikes are designed for both beginners and experienced hikers, and are open to all — including singles, couples, families and seniors.

Participants should wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots, organizers added. They also recommended bringing a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent, plus drinks and snacks. Rain gear (and maybe another layer of warm clothing, just in case) also are suggested.

Four choices from three different hiking levels are being offered for this event.

Hike No. 1 is an easy 1.5 miles on mainly flat terrain. It is intended to be slow paced and will traverse through the woods and along a creek. Estimated completion time is 1 1/2 hours.

Hike No. 2 offers an intermediate course of approximately two miles, including some hilly terrain and rocky surfaces. It goes to the lake and through the CCC camp and is moderately paced to last around two hours.

Hikes No. 3 and 4 provides advanced hikers with a pair of alternatives. Each goes for three or four miles on trails that are sometimes narrow and/or rocky. Moderately paced to provide a two- to three-hour experience. Includes trips through the woods and onto rocky bluffs.

The Osage Hills Hikers state that they are “just a group of people who want to spend time exploring the outdoors with others who enjoy the same.” Members of the club also volunteer and work directly for the park.

More information can be obtained by contacting OsageHillsHiking@gmail.com. The club’s next event is being planned for late July.