Understanding Our Hikes

Submitted by Margot Metcalfe, Hike Leader

Did you know Friends of BMBCL offer a wide variety of hikes? We offer slower hikes, faster hikes, shorter hikes, longer hikes – and everything in between hikes. There really is something for everyone. So, how do you decide which hike is best for you?

The best way is to visit our schedule and read the hike descriptions. Our well-trained Hike Leaders make every effort to describe hikes concisely and simply. Slower and faster hikes will be noted in the description, along with the length of the hike and the time in which it is anticipated to be completed.

Special notes are often included. For example, the write-up about the hike around Charlie’s Lake notes a lot of up-and-down terrain. This hike can be a little more difficult for folks who find hills challenging. All the hike descriptions mention rocky surfaces and slippery roots. If you are a frequent hiker, you know immediately what this means. However, if you enjoy walking through city streets or on the wide trails in Point Pleasant Park, you may not realize the implications. Rocks and roots mean that every step on your hike will gently challenge your balance. This imposes extra demands on your body and mind. There’s a gift to this – it’s good exercise for both! It’s also more tiring than walking on a flat surface. If you are used to walking four kilometers in the city, you might find a two-kilometre hike at a medium pace just as tiring.

Our Hike Leaders also describe unique aspects to each hike description. For example, the Susies Lake Flagpole Hill Hike notes there is one point where we must climb up and down a rock face with the assistance of a rope. Hike Leaders are there to assist and, occasionally, depending upon weather and other circumstances, they may offer an alternate route.

Similarly, the Three Lakes Loop hike includes a warning about the possibility of wet feet. Waterproof hiking boots and a change of socks are among the possible preparations one might make for this hike.

These descriptions help hikers choose the type of fun/challenge they want to have on any given day.

We usually travel with several Hike Leaders so that there is always someone available to assist or to bring someone out if needed. To reassure you, all our Hike Leaders have first aid training, and several have wilderness first aid training.

Lastly, our winter hikes include a message “Ice cleats may be needed depending on conditions”. Ice cleats or crampons are accessories that attach to boots and have rounded spikes or tabs on them. They’re used to keep hikers from slipping on ice. The best ones attach over the top of boots, not simply around the bottom. These are a handy item to have on hand anytime and can be used even in Point Pleasant Park. In deep icy conditions, our winter hikes will not proceed.

BMBCL Wilderness Area is an exquisite, unique wilderness in the heart of Halifax and is worth exploring all year round. If you have any concerns, start with one of our slower hikes, such as the Charlie’s Lake Lookoff hike. This is a shorter hike, just over one kilometer in, and then retracing the same route on the way out. It is deliberately slow, allowing people to begin to understand the terrain of the wilderness area.

Visit our hike schedule to register. Registration is always required. Knowing all this, we hope you will join us on a hike. There really is #somuchtoloveinbmbcl.