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WHAT IS CANICROSS? The term canicross is of European origin. "Cani" signifies your canine companion. "Cross" means to move cross country on foot. Thus, moving cross country on foot with your dog is "Canicross". Typically, a skijor belt and line is used and attached to the back of the dog's harness as in skijoring. If this is all new to you, you are welcome to come along on the scheduled hikes with your dogs on leash until you learn the finer points of canicross. |
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| WHAT: Canicross hiking club hikes are anywhere from two to six miles in length and are guided by Linda Newman, an outdoor enthusiast and dog trainer. We meet from May through September. The hikes are designed to enable people with interests in dogs and the outdoors to get together, exercise themselves and their dogs and learn about the noteable points of various area parks and trails. You are welcome to join us for all or part of each hike. WHERE: Various Minnesota and Wisconsin parks and trails within a short drive from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Canicross Backpacking trips to be added at a later date. WHEN: We will meet one Saturday each month from May through September. The time we meet at the trailhead will be different each time and will be based upon travel distance as well as the consensus of the registered participants. Please see the schedule below, as dates may change. FEE: $10 per hike.Snacks and water for you and your dog are on your own. You must also purchase appropriate park permits on your own. Please print the registration form and mail to: Points Unknown, P.O. Box 311, Watertown, MN 55388. Call 612.327.6965 or email linda@points-unknown.com with any questions. GEAR: Appropriate dress for the season. Comfortable hiking footware. Small backpack or fannypack. Canicross/Skijor belt and line or leash. Dog harness. Dogs do not need backpacks if on canicross line. They are helping pull the person carrying the backpack for the "team". If having a dog on leash then a dog backpack is more appropriate and they should only be carrying their own supplies. Water for dogs and people. Dog water dish. Treats. Poop bags. Bug spray for people. |
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May 10thMinnewashta Regional Park Please use the link above for information on Minnewashta Regional Park. Collectively, we will decide where to begin and end our hike each month. MAY 17thAdopt A Husky Inc's Husky Hike 2008 Please come and show your support! MAY 24thLake Maria State Park Hike Description: It will be a hilly hike through Big Woods with views of marshes and forest ponds. Park Location: The park is just a few miles west of Monticello. Length of Hike: Approximately 3 miles in length. Difficulty: An easy to moderate hike that will follow a wide dirt trail. Special Attractions: Spring flowers and bird watching. Trailhead Location: From Interstate 94 and Monticello, take County Road 39 eight miles to County Road 111. Take County Road 11 to the North(right). The park entrance is .75 Mile once on County Road 111 and is on your left. |
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June 7thCarver Park Please use the link provided for information about Carver Park. Collectively, we will decide each month, which portion of the park to hike. June 21stWillow River State Park, Hudson, Wisconsin Hike Description: Trails are wide and dirt packed and the topography and views are diverse. The hike starts out along the river in a field and goes up into a hardwood forest. There is a field loop with woods along each side and overlooks down to the river gorge and waterfall. The trail down to the waterfall is somewhat steep but wide and goes through the forest. Once at the waterfall there are impressive cliffs and vast views down the river. Continuing past the waterfall in the woods, the trail takes you along the shores of a private lake. Park Location: It is located 5 miles northeast of Hudson, Wisconsin on County Road A. Please see trailhead location below. It is not located on County Road A. Length of Hike: The hike is approximately 4-6 miles in length,depending upon when we decide to turn back. Difficulty: Moderate. Special Attractions: Large waterfall. Vast views of river gorge at overlooks. Trailhead Location: Take Highway A from Hudson, Wisconsin north to park entrance. Continue past the entrance to Highway I and turn to the northwest(left). Pass the Willowby Parking Lot and continue on to River Road and turn West(left). The parking lot is immediately on your left. |
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July 12thMinnewashta Regional Park Please use the link above for information on Minnewashta Regional Park. Collectively, we will decide where to begin and end our hike each month. July 26thForestville/Mystery Cave State Park Hike Description: It is a hike through a mostly equestrian park.(perfect for "on-by" training!) The trail travels along a wooded ridge and then alongside a trout creek. Side trips will be taken to the Big Spring and the historic town of Forestville. Park Location: Between Preston and Spring Valley and south of Rochester in the Southeastern portion of the state. Length of Hike: The short loop is 2 miles in length with an additional approximately 2 miles to and from the Big Spring. The historic town of Forestville can be driven to after the hike. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Special Attractions: Historic town of Forestville. Trout Fishing. Big Spring. Trailhead Location: From Highway 52 and Preston, take Highway 16 West 9 miles to County Road 5. Turn South(left) and travel 4 miles to County Road 12 going east. Drive 2 more miles for parking at the picnic grounds by the river. |
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August 9thCarver Park Please use the link provided for information about Carver Park. Collectively, we will decide each month, which portion of the park to hike. August 16thAfton State Park Hike Description: The hike begins at the shores of the St. Croix River and continues up a densely wooded ravine to the bluff tops with views of the prairie and overlooks of the river valley Park Location: South of Afton, along the St. Croix River. Length of Hike: It is about a 4 mile loop. Difficulty: Moderate with steep climbs up and down the bluffs and ravines. Special Attractions: Vast views of the St. Croix. Bird Watching. Swimming Beach. Prairie. Trailhead Location: From Interstate 494 in St. Paul, go east about 5 miles on Interstate 94. Take Highway 95(County Road 15) exit south and go 7 miles to County Road 20(70th Street South). Go East(left) and continue 3 miles and follow the downhill ski signs for Afton Alps. At the three-way intersection, immediately after County Road 21(Saint Croix Trail), go a right turn for the park entrance. the drive into the park follows a steep, winding road that leads to the parking area and interpretive center. |
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September 6thMinnewashta Regional Park Please use the link above for information on Minnewashta Regional Park. Collectively, we will decide where to begin and end our hike each month. September 27thSt. Croix State Park Hike Description: The trail goes out on the point for the confluence of the St. Croix and Kettle Rivers. Park Location: East of Hinckley. Length of Hike: It is a 6 mile loop. Difficulty: Moderate. The trails gets overgrown by the River, however other portions are easy. Special Attractions: Wildlife. Fishing. Lookout tower in the park. Trailhead Location: From Hinckley and Interstate 35, take Highway 48 east for 15 miles to the park entrance sign on County Road 22. Go right and continue on the long park drive to the information booth. Turn right toward the Head of the Rapids for parking at the overlook near Kennedy Brook. |
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