AVA: America's Walking Club is joining
REI's #OptOutside Campaign.
Let's get out and walk on Black Friday,
November 29, 2019
To find an AVA #OptOutside event in your
area click on your state below.Sumner, WA
Deem Hills Trail
Des Moines
DTSummerlin Walk 3
Gaithersburg, MD
Truckee-tahoe
Tallgrass Prairie 3
Seneca State Park
Georgetown Falls
Low Desert Roadrunners
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
Registration Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Start Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Start Point:Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, 11055 E, Morongo Valley, CA 92256
POC: Kathy Bundy, 951-218-3755.
Description: Trail is on dirt & boardwalks over free-flowing water & through a
lush area of willows as well as desert terrain. You will be surprised to find this lovely
green area in the desert hills. The 5k is rated 1B. The trail is through a wildlife area
that is a favorite of bird watchers. Weather can be very warm so plan to walk early & carry
water.
Click here for event details
Windsor Y2419
Registration Time: 9:00 am
Start Time: 9:15 am
Start Point: CVS Pharmacy, 9030 Brooks Rd So., Windsor, CA
POC: Shirley Hightower
Description: On the West 5k route you will see Robert and Isabella Cunningham's family
homestead established in 1848. The cabin is among the oldest wood-frame buildings in Sonoma County.
Their daughter's home next door is now the Windsor Museum. Also, you will visit the Windsor Town
Green with many shops and restaurants. A Little Free Library is on the route.
Special Notes: 10k route directions will, also, be offered.
Click here for event details
Colorado Springs Walking Club
Downtown YMCA
Start Time: 9:00 - 12:00 am
Start Point: YMCA Downtown, 207 N Nevada, CO 80903.
POC: Sherry Sayers
Description: Art on the Street Displays
Little Free Libraries
Olympic Traning Center
Historic Homes
Diffeerent 5/10 K route than the YRE that starts here.
Click here for event details
OptOutside
Start Time: 8:30 - 10:00 am
Start Point: De Leon Springs State Park
POC: John McClellan
Description: Join the Happy Wanderers and Mid-Florida Milers for the annual AVA #OptOutside
walk on Black Friday. Instead of shopping, come back to nature at beautiful DeLeon Springs State Park
with the famous Old Spanish Sugar Mill and renowned pancake breakfast. (Breakfast arrangements are on
your own.) We'll register walkers from 8:30 to 10:00 am and likely have at least one group walk depart
around 9:00 am. Relaxing, wooded trail loop of 4.5 miles plus in/around the grounds of the springs
themselves. 5k is out to turn-around point and back, 10k is full loop. Both routes include Old Methuselah,
a 500+ year-old Cypress Tree. Wear shoes appropriate for wooded trails.
Click here for event details
Click here for event flyer
Suncoast Sandpipers Volkssport Club
OptOutside - Paradise Restaurant
Registration Time: 8:45 am
Start Time: 9:00 am
Start Point: The Gazebo at John Wilson Park, 401 Main St. Safety Harbor
POC: Alice Lawrence
Description: Directions. From Tampa, take SR 60 west (towards Clearwater). Turn
right on Bayshore Dr.; drive 2.5 miles to Main St (stop sign); turn left. Gazebo will be
on right. From north or south Pinellas County, take US 19 to Sunset Point/Main St. Go east
2.5 miles to gazebo on left. Parking is available on street. Do not park in Paradise
Restaurant parking lot.
Fees. Bring an unwrapped toy and walk for free. Otherwise normal fees apply: $2 for walk,
$1 for volkssport credit. Sandpipers coupons are okay.
Dining. Enjoy the comfort food of the Paradise or opt for another Safety Harbor café.
We won’t be taking group reservations because people may be in a hurry to get shopping.
Click here for event details
Illinois Trekkers Volkssport Club
A Walk in the Parks Y2119
Registration Time: 9:45 am
Start Time: 10:00 am
Start Point:Schnuck’s, 907 E Hwy 50, O’Fallon, IL 62269
POC:Trudy Duffman, (618) 670-6920
Description: We invite you to walk two of O'Fallon, Illinois' parks. Rocks Springs Park is
located at the end of Third Street with a Dog Park and a Nature Center. O'Fallon Community Park is in the
heart of O'Fallon near downtown shops and restaurants and houses the community swimming pool, sports fields,
and other community facilities. We think you will enjoy the contrast between the two parks. Each park is a
5k walk to and from Schnucks.
Click here for event details
Gateway Milers
Town Walk
Start Time: 9:00 am
Start Time: 9:15 am
Start Point: YMCA, 284 North Seven Hills Rd, O’Fallon, IL
POC: Lois La Fleur
Description: The walk will pass through city parks, a wooded bike trail,
historic district, restaurants and shops. Come walk, talk, and travel with us. We make
walking fun!!
Click here for event details
Indy G Walkers
Black Friday - Shadyside Park/Anderson U
Start Time: Registration begins at 9:30 am - Walk starts at 10:00 am
Start Point: Shadyside Park parking lot near the Bobber's Cafe, 1117 Alexandria, Anderson, IN
POC: Cliff Terry, (317) 776-1848
Description: The 5 K trail will follow paved trails around the lakes in Shadyside Park. The 10 K
trail will continue through and Killbuck Creek Wetlands, White River Greenway, and the beautiful Anderson
University campus.
Special Notes: This walk is conducted as a TRAVELING GUIDED WALK (TGW) and features exciting new
destinations and a shorter start/finish window than our previous traditional events. A group leader will set
the pace. You will start the walk promptly at 10:00 AM. Please arrive at the site at least 15 minutes before
the start time to register.
Directions: From Indy take I-69 (N) to IN 9 North (exit 226- Scatterfield Rd.) and follow north to
Lindberg Rd. L on Lindberg Rd to Alexandria Pike. R to entrance to Bobber's Cafe at Shadyside Bait & Tackle on
the L. Park in the lot to the right of the Cafe From Ft Wayne , take I-69 (S) to IN 32 (exit 234) and follow
west to IN 9. R on IN 9 to Lindberg Rd. Follow above directions to the park.
Click here for event details
HOOSIER HIKERS
Notre Dame University
Registration Time: 8:30 am (EST)
Start Time: 9:00 am (EST)
Start Point: IVY INN, 1404 IVY COURT, SOUTH BEND, IN 46637
POC: BOB BUZOLICH, (574)339-9140
Special Notes: UPON COMPLETING REGISTRATION WALKERS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO A MINIMUM OF
TWO GROUPS, DEPENDING ON THE DISTANCE THAT THE WALKER DESIRES TO COMPLETE. THE TWO DISTANCES OFFERED
ARE 7-KILOMETERS ( ABOUT 4-1/2 MILES)OR 12-KILOMETERS (ABOUT 7-1/2 MILES).
Click here for event details
Greater Des Moines Volkssport Association
Ada Hayden Park
Registration Time: 11:00 am
Start Time: 11:15 am
Start Point: Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 5205 Grand Ave, Ames, IA 50010
POC: Peggy Watts
Description: Ada Hayden Heritage Park is the former site of Hallet's Quary and in
named in honor of Ada Hayden, the 1st woman to receive a doctorate from now known ISU.
The walk includes 2 loops - 5k each.
1. A figure 8 within the park.
2. An outer loop of the park.
Both loops have the beautiful lake in view at all times.
Click here for event details
Kansas Jay Walkers
Registration Time: 9:45 am
Start Time: 10:00 am
Start Point: Z Bar Ranch, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Visitor Center Information Desk, HWY 177 about 3 mis N of Strong City, KS
POC: Lucy Yother, 913-250-0866
Description: Gravel roads and mowed paths
through the beautiful Flint Hills that surround the
historic mansion. Wheelchairs, strollers, and pets
are NOT allowed in the backcountry. Difficulty Level
2. Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs if ground
is wet; possible, but difficult if ground is dry. Pets
are allowed, but must be on a visible, 6' or shorter
leash; attended at all times; and picked up after. Z
Bar (Spring Hill) Ranch is a 10,894-acre cattle ranch.
The preserve protects 10,862 acres, most of it under
control of the Nature Conservancy. The National Park
Service currently operates 32 acres including the 1881
historic ranch house, three-story limestone barn and
outbuildings, and nearby one room schoolhouse - Lower
Fox Creek School (built 1882). Numerous natural springs,
hence the name "Spring Hill," are found on the ranch, which
also includes two permanent streams, Fox Creek, and Palmer
Creek. The ranch house is an imposing three story,
eleven-room building constructed in the Second Empire
style, a rare architectural style in the region, and
executed in native materials. The 6,480-square foot,
three-story barn is nearly as impressive as the house.
Special Notes:Fox Creek Hiking Trail (10K loop). Starts at N end of
Bottomland Trail & goes N, following Fox Creek. You will experience bottomland
prairie restoration plots along Fox Creek's riparian areas. Deep soils & abundant
moisture produce 6' tall grasses in Fall. Southwind Nature Trail (3K loop). A
leisurely stroll across hill & valley, watercourse & prairie grassland, gives you
a close-up look at what makes up the Preserve. Named for the Kansa Indians, People
of the Southwind, this trail presents marvelous vistas as well as an opportunity for
detailed looks at the prairie ecosystem. Two overlook areas give you a chance to
experience the scenic beauty of the prairie. The trail winds across rolling hills,
over a spring-fed stream lined with cottonwood & hackberry trees, & through a
fascinating array of grasses. Along the way is evidence of the insects, birds, &
mammals that make the prairie their home. Take your time & notice the gray & white
rock, limestone, & steel-tough chert, commonly called "flint," that gives the name
to the hills. Hike to the little one-room school house on the hill & then back to
the ranch HQs. Bottomland Trail (1K & 1K loops (both loops=2K)). Bottomland is any
land adjacent to a waterway & is prime agricultural land, due to sediment runoff.
The trail consists of an information trailhead, five interpretive waysides, benches,
overlook areas, & fully accessible trail loops. Awards and fees: IVV Credit Only
Click here for event details
Seneca Valley Sugarloafers Volksmarch Club
Registration Time: 9:30 am
Start Time: 10:00 am
Start Point: Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
POC: Jone Parr
Description:The 6,300-acre park extends along 14 scenic miles of Seneca Creek, as
it winds its way to the Potomac River. The park contains many scenic areas, including the
90-acre Clopper Lake, forests and fields, and a restored 19th century cabin. Look for holiday
decorations throughout the park during the November walk (not turned on during daylight hours).
Click here for event details
Freestate Happy Wanderers
Crossroads of Maryland Y0219
Registration Time: 9:30 am
Start Time: 10:00 am
Start Point: Holiday Inn Express, 14402 Laurel Place, Laurel, MD
POC: Rita Goerling
Description:Three 5K Trails available from this start box. Trails are relatively flat and
are mostly on sidewalks and streets in the town of Laurel. Walk through Riverfront Park and President Eisenhower's
house located on one of the trails. President Eisenhower lived in Laurel when he went to school at Fort Meade.
Click here for event details
Walk in Mass Volkssport Club
Battleship Cove Y0711
Registration Time: 9:45am
Start Time: 10:00am
Start Point: Battleship Cove Gift Shop, 5 Water Street, Fall River, MA 02721
POC: Ann
Description: Walk routes include historic neighborhoods, Lizzie Borden's
house, city parks designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and traverses boardwalk
overlooking Battleship Cove. (10K and 5K routes)
Click here for event details
Lake Country Wanderers
Brooklyn Center Community Center
Start Time: 10:00 am
Start Point: 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN
POC: Bonnie Johnson, 763-229-3584
Description: Start out the walk in beautiful Centennial Park, walk the Shingle Creek Regional Trail
next to Shingle Creek and into the Palmer Lake Park Preserve, a scenic preserce with wildlife and trails around
the lake.
Special Notes: There will be a 5K and 10K group leader.
Volkssport Club at West Point
Walkway over The Hudson and other Rail Trails Y0797 Guided Walk
Registration Time: 11:00 am
Start Time: 11:15 am
Start Point: The Gateway Diner, 3579 US Rt 9W, Highland, NY 12528-1730
POC: Andrew D. Schmidt
Description: Club Treasurer Andrew Schmidt will be the host and will point out the
highlights of the great city of Poughkeepsie (a former Capital of the State of New York, where
New York ratified the US Constitution!) on this AVA group walk. If enough walkers wish to do
so, we will do the entire 12 km City of Poughkeepsie loop (that of course includes the Walkway
Over The Hudson, the World's longest and highest pedestrian-only bridge, as well as the
FDR-design influenced main US Post Office, the Bardavon 1869 Opera House (NY State's oldest
theater), and other historical sites). Walkers can, however, turn around at the end of just
the Walkway portion (both a 5k and 8k turnaround point for out-and-back walkers) if need be.
We will return west-bound to the Start Point via the FDR Bridge, different from the Walkway
Bridge (east-bound).
Click here for event details
Las Vegas High Rollers & Strollers
Hoover Dam, Y1809
Registration Time: 8:30
Start Time: 9:00 am
Start Point: Boulder City Historic Dam Hotel, 1305 Arizona St, Boulder City, NV
POC: Carl Cordes
Description: Enjoy the great outdoors walking across the Sky Bridge and Hoover
Dam from Nevada to Arizona and back! (5K) For additional 5K walk (gravel path) back in
time through the railroad tunnels carved in the mountain side for steam trains that brought
the huge turbines, steel and other materials to the Dam site. Great views of the Lake on
this trail!
Special Notes: Register at Hotel then we will drive to Hoover Dam to begin walk.
(about 4 miles)
Click here for event details
Ohio Wander Freunde
Group Walk
Gather Time: 8:45 am
Start Time: 9:00 am
Start Point: PNC Second Street Market, 600 E. Second Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
POC: Dawn Gruber
Description: Rated 1A, Two 5K Loops. The trails are accessible to
strollers and wagons. Wheelchairs would have difficulty because sidewalks
are uneven on both Loops and not all curb cuts are easy, especially in the
historic areas. Loop #1, takes you to downtown Dayton with a return through
the Oregon District. See the big Christmas tree on Court House Square PLUS,
the statue of Abe Lincoln. Enjoy the G Gauge Trains at Chase Bank. Loop #2,
You will have views of Dayton from both sides of the Great Miami River, see
the new areas for Kayaking, enjoy the quaintness of Victorian McPherson
Town and be amazed at the additional development around Fifth Third Field.
Driving to the start: PNC Second Street Market, 600 E. Second Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402. Located at the corner of 2nd Street & Webster Street. Directions:
From I-75 Southbound: Exit 54A, MAIN STREET. Left on Main St. to Left on E. 1st St. to Webster. Right on Webster to 2nd. St. Market is on the left.
From I-75 Northbound: Exit 54c. to Webster St. Right on Webster to 2nd St.
From US 35 Westbound: Exit Right on Keowee St./Steve Whalen Blvd. Stay Left to Koewee St. Right on Koewee to Third St. Right on Third to Left on Webster. 2nd St. Market. Is on the corner of Webster and 2nd.
From US 35 Eastbound; Exit Keowee St. Right on Koewee for a short distance to Xenia Ave. light. Left at the light to go north on Keowee to Third St. Right on Third St. to Webster. Left on Webster. 2nd St. Market. is on the corner of Webster and 2nd Street.
Cedar Milers
#OPTOUTSIDE Rood Bridge Park
Registration Time: 9:30
Start Time: 10:00 am
Start Point: 4000 SE Rood Bridge Rd · Hillsboro, OR
POC: Dan Webster, Dan Webster
Description: Join a group lead 5K or 10K walk. Let's get outside
and walk off some of that feasting. There are two 5k loops. The first is
within the park with optional routing in case of high water. The second
goes out into the SE neighborhood near the edge of rural Washington County.
We walk about 3 miles per hour. Registration will be from 9:30-10 am. Please
arrive early to sign in so the walks can start at 10 am.
Click here for event details
Washtenaw Wanderers of Michigan
Registration Time: 9:45 am
Start Time: 10:00 am
Start Point: Quality Inn & Suites, 7 S Pennsylvania Ave, Morrisville, PA
POC: Roxie Weaver
Description: Enjoy a walk that starts in the historic city of
Morrisville, PA, takes you over the Delaware River to the city of Trenton,
N.J.. Where you walk past the capital building of New Jersey - the third
oldest state house in continuous legislative use in the United States and
then on to the Old Barracks Museum (take time to go in the Barracks where
you can take a nice tour). Then you head back over the Free bridge back to
Morrisville along the tow path. Morrisville is named for Robert Morris,
financier of the American Revolution and is the home of Summerseat, which
was George Washington’s Headquarters from December 8-14, 1776.
Click here for event details
Dallas Trekkers Walking Club
Mesquite Heritage Trail
Registration Time: 8 - 11 am
Start Time: 8 am
Start Point: Walgreens Drug Store, 1015 North Town East Blvd, Mesquite, TX
POC: Dianne Duke
Description: Skip the shopping and walk with the Dallas Trekkers
along the Mesquite Heritage Trail that connects neighborhoods, parks, and
schools from a main spine trail. The City of Mesquite has built beautiful
Trail plazas complete with drinking fountains, benches, picnic tables,
landscaping and outdoor art. This walk will start from the Walgreens
parking lot and enter the Mesquite Heritage Trail at the Dunford
Recreation Center, then through shaded neighborhoods, to Palos Verdes
Lake Park and back. The 10k will return through another neighborhood and
the small and charming Beasley Park.
Click here for event details
Colorado River Walkers
Georgetown Visitors Center
Registration Time: 12:45 pm
Start Time: 1 pm
Start Point: Georgetown Visitors Center, 103 W 7th, Georgetown, TX
POC: Carol Obianwu
Description: Our revised routes starts at the Courthouse square,
walks historical streets, then soon joins the South San Gabriel Trail through
Chautauqua Park. At Blue Hole Park it joins the Bonner Hike and Bike Trail along
South San Gabriel River into McMaster Athletic Complex and past the Bark Park, before
returning to the square. We anticipate many of the historic homes will have their
holiday decorations up to enjoy.
Special Notes: We have chosen to start at 1:00 p.m. so that some walkers
might like to have an early dinner at one of Georgetown's famous restaurants, and
stay till early eveining to enjoy the Holiday lighting of the town square. Locals
bring a folding chair and relax while watching the lighting ceremony.
Click here for event details
Randolph Roadrunners
Southside Lions Park, Pavilion 2 Y0136
Time: Registration opens at 8 - 11 am, Start Time is 8 am
Start Point: 400 Pecan Drive, San Antonio, TX
POC: Susan Medlin, (210) 325-3523
Description: Start at Pavillion 2, on the shore of the lovely Lions Park Lake. Circle the Lake, then
head out on a broad, paved trail. There is lots of shade on the trail. You will walk through Comanche Park and
Conventry Park to the J Street trail Intersection. Then retrace your steps back to Pavilion 2. Once you are through,
enjoy a delicious $5 Hot dog lunch, grilled by our own Master Chef, John Ives. Your lunch includes a soda, bag of
chips, and a choice of home-made desserts from Susan Medlin. Eat, drink, and reminisce with your walking friends as
you watch the ducks paddle happily on the lake. it is a quiet and serene escape from the Black Friday mad shopping
rush.
Click here for event details
Wood and Dale Wanderers
Montclair
Start Time: 9:00 am
Start Point: Burger King 5301 Waterway Dr., Dumfries, VA
POC: Cecilia Miner
Description: Come walk with us as we check out a modified 5k loop that passes
historical sites and a Little Free Library. The second 5k loop is available for those
wanting a longer walk. Also, for those with guests who need a shorter distance, there
is a 1-mile loop. Come a little early and join us for breakfast!
Click here for event details
Gator Volksmarch Club
First Landing State Park Y0468
Registration Time: 9:00 am
Start Time: 9:00 am
Start Point: First Landing State Park, 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
POC: Don Bradford
Description: Walk where the first settlers walked!
Special Notes: The Trail Center is open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to
4:00 PM. The walk is on established dirt trails marked and maintained by the First
Landing State Park system. There are uphill climbs and an option which includes a
walk on a sandy beach. From sandy beaches to cypress swamps, this walk explores a
popular natural scenic area of the resort city.
Click here for event details
Daffodil Valley Volkssport Association
Sumner Link Trail
Registration Time: 9:30 am
Start Time: 10:00 am
Start Point: REI Sumner Distribution Center 1700 45th St. E. Sumner WA
POC: Carolyn Warhol
Description: Come join us and walk the Sumner Link Trail along the White River.
Special Notes: This is a guided walk and there will be 5K and a 10K available.
Click here for event details
Madison Area Volkssport Association (Dairyland Walkers)
Madison Arboretum Walk Y1247
Registration Time: 8:45 am
Start Time: 9:00 am
Start Point: Colectivo Coffee, 2530 Monroe Street, Madison, WI
POC: Mary B. Liebig
Description: This is a beautiful, scenic walk around Lake Wingra, passing a former stagecoach inn,
through the 1,260 acre University of Wisconsin Arboretum, past Madison's Henry Vilas Zoo (free admission) and past
Edgewood College. Both 10k and 5k routes are available. A wonderful walk with something for the entire family.
Click here for more information on event