Happy Hiker: Hiking Poles – Love 'em or Leave 'em?

What’s the difference between a happy hiker and a sad hiker? Our third annual Happy Hiker series, of course! Join us for one or all of our six 2025 Happy Hiker series hikes. Based on the Hiker’s Ten Essentials and Leave No Trace principles, each evening program will include nature knowledge nuggets and a short, easy hike to practice what we’re learning! This series full of fun activities, mini-challenges, and the opportunity to practice new skills will help make every hike safer and more enjoyable.

Our first hike will include hiking up Mueller Hill at Climbers Run as we try out hiking poles and learn how to use them for various trail challenges. Like them or leave them, hikers can decide for themselves whether to invest in their own by trying out some of our favorite kinds.

Where to Meet: On the back patio behind the Russo Barn.

What to Expect: We will hike approximately 2 miles together and try out hiking poles for strength and stability on the trail! The trail features both flat and sloped, at times steep, terrain. There are restrooms available on site. This series is recommended for ages 12 and up (anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult).

What to Bring: Closed toe shoes are a must. No sandals or flip flops. If you have hiking boots or trail runners you’d like to try out, please wear them. Dress for the weather and bring water.

Hike Leader Bio: Peggy Eppig, Conservation Educator with Lancaster Conservancy, is an environmental historian and dynamic conservation educator who offers a hands-on approach to every theme from deep-time history to 21st century conservation methods and practices. She brings over 30 years of experience in interpretive and experiential education. Her wilder interests include ornithology (birds), herpetology (reptiles and amphibians), silvology (woodlands), and natural history illustration.

Animal Policy: Service animals active or in training are welcome. Please leave all pets at home.

Refund Policy: If you are unable to attend this event after purchasing a ticket, refund requests must be made at least 48 hours before the event.

Cancellation Policy: This event will be held rain or shine, with cancellation for severe weather made at the time of the event. If the Conservancy reschedules the event, attendees will be emailed and tickets will be automatically moved to the new date. If the Conservancy cancels the event, attendees will be notified via email when possible and refunded.

Lancaster Conservancy’s efforts to provide Leave No Trace education to the community are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority.