PAFA Autumn Family Hike and Potluck Picnic

PAFA in association with Indy/Carmel Boys Wilderness Hiker Group, present Autumn Family Hike and Potluck Picnic at Brown County State Park 🍂🥾 AUTUMN FAMILY HIKE & POTLUCK PICNIC 🧺🍁 Organized by PAFA in association with the Indy/Carmel Boys Wilderness Hiker Group Let’s spend some quality outdoor family time together this fall! Join us for a memorable day of hiking through the breathtaking autumn foliage of Indiana’s crown jewel, followed by a wonderful community potluck. 🏞️ About [Brown County State Park](https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/067f2l): Known as the "Little Smokies" of the Midwest, Brown County is Indiana's largest and most famous state park. It encompasses nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, dense forests, and beautiful ridges, making it the ultimate destination to witness spectacular, vibrant fall colors. 📅 Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 💵 Cost: FREE (Registration required) 🎟️ Park Gate Fee: $7 per vehicle with Indiana license plates ($9 for out-of-state vehicles). Please have cash or card ready at the park entrance gate! ------------------------------ ⏱️ THE SCHEDULE * 08:00 AM – Carpool meeting at Al Salam Foundation (9551 Valparaiso Ct, Indianapolis) * 08:30 AM – Carpool departure 🚗💨 * 10:00 AM – Arrival at [Brown County State Park](https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/067f2l) * 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM – Meet & Greet 👋😊 📍 Location: Ogle Lake Parking Lot (Address for direct drivers: Ogle Lake Rd, Nashville, IN 47448 — inside the main gates of Brown County State Park at 1801 IN-46) * 10:30 AM - 01:00 PM – Guided Family Hiking 🥾🌲 * 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM – Potluck Picnic at Walnut Shelter 🍔🍗🍟 (Note: Walnut Shelter is a short, few-minutes drive from the Ogle Lake parking lot—we will drive over together after the hike). ------------------------------ 🗺️ OUR HIKING TRAILS Choose your comfort level! Each hike will be led by an experienced PAFA Team Guide. 🧗‍♂️ * 🥾 Trail #7 (Ogle Lake Trail) – Moderate | ~1.2 - 1.5 miles A scenic, relatively leisurely loop that encircles the serene shores of Ogle Lake. Great for families and kids, featuring close-up water views and rolling lakeside paths. * 🥾 Trail #8 (HHC Trail) – Moderate | ~3.5 miles A longer adventure that meanders deeper into a tree-covered valley, crossing dry creek beds and climbing up forested ridgelines for panoramic autumn views near Hesitation Point. ------------------------------ 🧺 POTLUCK PICNIC @ WALNUT SHELTER After working up an appetite, we will gather at the beautiful Walnut Shelter. 🥤 Provided by Organizers: Water, sports drinks, hot tea, sunscreen, and insect spray ☕🧴 🥘 What to Bring: Please bring a family-sized dish, side, or dessert to share! ------------------------------ 👕 WHAT TO WEAR & PACK For maximum fun and a safe hike, please dress appropriately in hiking gear: * Moisture-wicking, breathable hiking shirts & pants 👖👕 * Sturdy hiking shoes or trail boots 👟 * Sun hats, sunglasses, and personal layers 🧢🕶️ ------------------------------ 📝 REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY While the event is completely free, every family must register so we can ensure an accurate head count for safety guides, shelter space, and refreshments. Let’s make wonderful fall memories together! See you there! 🍁🍂