Lace up your boots, top off your water bottles, and strap on your daypack. Over the next year we will traverse more than 70 miles of gorgeous parkland, scenic countryside, and gritty urban landscapes. Not only will we see a mix of wildlife and natural beauty, but we will also learn about the region’s culture and history. From the “Emerald Necklace” and the state’s only national park to the mighty Cuyahoga River and downtown Cleveland, we will explore much of Northeast Ohio. Are you ready?
Hiking merit badge is an Eagle-required badge (which a scout can earn in place of Swimming or Cycling merit badge), and all Scouts in Troop 701 are welcome to participate in any scheduled hike. Scouts will also earn miles towards Boot Club awards! Participants should keep a few items in mind. To earn the merit badge, the Scout must complete a 5-mile hike, three 10-mile hikes, a 15-mile hike, and a 20-mile hike; and several requirements on hiking first aid, principles, and safety. None of the trails will include especially difficult terrain or elevation change, but most hikes will last four to six hours. Hikes of this length demand endurance and physical fitness. Additionally, Scouts participating in the 2021 Philmont trek are required to hike at least 50 miles with the merit badge group. Here are the dates and tentative locations for our hikes:
Sat. Sept. 26: 10-mile hike 1 (Brecksville Lake loop) – meet at 9:00 a.m.
Sat. Oct. 24: 10-mile hike 2 (Jaite loop) – meet at 9:00 a.m.
Sat. Nov. 21: 10-mile hike 3 (Kendall Lake loop) – meet at 9:00 a.m.
Sat. Jan. 30: 10-mile hike 4 (Chippewa Inlet Trail loop) – meet at 9:00 a.m.
Sun. Mar. 21: 10-mile hike 5 (Hinckley Reservation loop) – meet at 9:00 a.m.
Sat. Apr. 10: 15-mile hike (Cuyahoga Towpath South) – meet at 8:00 a.m.
Sat. May 1: 20-mile hike (Cuyahoga Towpath North & Tremont area hike) – meet at 7:30 a.m.
The Troop 701 Hiking merit badge crew will meet on Saturday, September 26th, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. for our first hike of the badge! We will get to know one another, learn about the merit badge, and talk about some basic hiking principles. Please direct any questions to Hiking merit badge counselor Wes Kent at wpk611@hotmail.com.
