Unity with Nature

These hikes are moderate hikes with about a 20 minute per mile pace and 2-4 mile distance. Participants meet at 10 am at the designated meet location which is given for each hike via email to anyone who signs up. Each of these hikes will be announced via the Goose Creek newsletter and email. If you’re interested in joining a hike, please contact one of the coordinators via email or text at least 24 hours before the hike.

After each hike, participants have the option of meeting at a convenient lunch spot for fellowship. The lunch is optional, so please tell the coordinators if you plan to join the group for lunch after the hike.

Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

2025 Hiking Schedule

Cool Spring Battlefield – Saturday November 8 at 10 am.

Shenandoah University Nature Center 1400 Parker Ln, Bluemont, VA 20135

In 2013, Shenandoah University embarked on its newest venture­­ the preservation and protection of land along the Shenandoah River integral to the July 18, 1864, Battle of Cool Spring. These 195 acres of land, now known as the Shenandoah River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield, were acquired by the Civil War Trust in 2012. Under the stewardship of the university, the land has been transformed from a former golf course into an outdoor classroom for the university community and the general public.

Plant and animal life abound at the Cool Spring river campus. Visitors can spot bald eagle nests, a great blue heron rookery or many other species of wildlife and plants.  On a clear day, you can even gaze across the storied Shenandoah Valley all the way to West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains.

For information on Cool Spring  https://www.su.edu/cool-spring/.

We will meet at the picnic area by the parking lot at 10 am sharp.  There are two possible hikes, one an Easy hike of 2.3 miles on a wide paved trail, and a 2 mile extension for a total of 4.0 of miles on the same paved trail.  Those who only have time or wish to not do the extra 2 miles will have a picnic area and seats where you can wait for the rest of the group.

Following the hike, those interested will have lunch together at a surprise restaurant nearby.

Please  email, text or phone:  FredBishopp@gmail.com    703 517-2619  and indicate if you will be joining us for lunch.

Driving instructions:  Heading west on Rt 7.  Pass Purcellville, Bluemont and go over the mountain.  Just before crossing the Shenandoah River turn right.  Heading east on Rt 7.  Pass Berryville and immediately after crossing the Shenandoah River turn left.  We will meet at the picnic area by the parking lot at 10 am sharp.

For more information about Hiking With Friends, please contact:

Fred Bishopp 703 517-2619 FredBishopp@gmail.com
Joey Coburn 703 856-3194 Joey.Coburn@usa.net