OSC Group Hike Name: Great Bear Recreation Area
Day & Date: 3 February 2021; 10:30 - 12:30
Meeting Time: 10:15
Meeting Place: Great Bear Recreation Area, Route 57 Phoenix
Rating (if available)/Distance: 3-5 miles; easy to moderate
Leader(s): Eric Holmes, ebholmes.cuse@gmail.com, 315-546-3515
The plan is to meet no later than 10:30 AM at the Great Bear Recreation area parking lot right on Rte. 57 between Phoenix and Fulton.
Directions the Great Bear Recreation Area
From points south, take Rte. 57 north from the center of Phoenix approximately 3.75 miles. The parking lot will be on the left. Alternately, if you are approaching from the south on Rte. 481, get off at Exit 14, turn right towards Mexico at the end of the ramp and then almost immediately left on county Rte. 6. Stay on Rte. 6 for approximately 2.25 miles where you will then take a left onto Bankrupt Rd. After approximately 1.5 miles you will come to the intersection of Rte. 57, turn right and Great Bear will be about ¾ of a mile north on your left.
The planned hike
There are many trails at Great Bear as you can see from the map. If you are not familiar with Great Bear, I recommend either downloading a copy of the map or printing one out. The attached map was taken from the Friends of Great Bear site, https://friendsofgreatbear.org/maps.
We can vary the length of the hike and the terrain as befits the hikers and the conditions. There are rolling hills, drumlins, and a walk by the Oswego River. I’ll decide on a few options prior to meeting at the start of the hike. There will be options to cut the hike short and head back to the parking lot. There are frequent trails signs with arrows pointing back to the parking lot.
The trails are typically well traveled and, unless there is recent snow, may not lend themselves to snowshoeing. Microspikes may be appropriate if you have them. I hike all year around at Great Bear and I have yet to use microspikes.
And if you haven’t been there before, you’re going to love it!! It’s especially beautiful in winter. Check out he full site, https://friendsofgreatbear.org/.
You’re welcome to call if you have questions or comments.
Eric’s phone and text 315-546-3515
The number of participants are limited so be sure to Register here to attend. Don't forget to bring your mask! Check the Hiking Forum for guidelines & any updates to the hike
