Hot on the heals of the first hike of the season, it’s time to sign up your 7th or 8th grade girl for our first ever hike for this age group.  This time we’ll head up, above and around Ijams Meads Quarry.  This hike is offered in collaboration with Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians, though you do not need to be a Girl Scout to join us.

This approximately three mile hike will follow Tharp Trace up and around Mead’s Quarry, which is part of Ijams Nature Center.  From the lookouts above the cliffs we will be able to see the lake below and Mt. LeConte in the distance.  We will also pass the historic Stanton Cemetery, spend time at the lake shore looking for tadpoles, fish and rare freshwater jellyfish, and wander creek side along the Toll Creek loop on the main Ijams Nature Center & Wildlife Sanctuary property.  The hike will last from 1-4 pm. Hike leader is Miriam Davis Here’s a link to a pdf flyer: Sept 20 G.O. Flyer 

Click Here to Register.  Deadline Sept. 17.

Every G.O. hike has at least 4 women volunteer chaperones, eager to share their passion for the outdoors with the next generation!

Please remember that each hiker must have a completed Health History Record on file. Your child’s immunization record is required as part of the form, and this can be obtained from your pediatrician. You can scan and email the form to knoxgirlsoutside@gmail.com before the hike or bring the completed form on the day of the hike. This form will be kept on file for future hikes, so you only have to fill it out once.

Each hike begins with a fun get-to-know-you game and a brief lesson, from Leave No Trace principles to fun historical facts about the trail and everything in between. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring water and light snacks.

While the mission of Girls Outside is to enjoy nature, we also hope these outings foster independence and so we encourage parents to let their girls do the hike on their own as a part of the group. Remember to leave electronic devices at home to better enjoy time in nature.

These hikes are free! Help us spread the word or invite a friend’s child by sharing our girlsoutside.org link.  To see the fun we have on our hikes, visit our photo gallery on Facebook.