Hot on the Trail!

Is it hot enough for you? Sunny days on the serpentine barrens raise the temperature of the trail well beyond that of the air. Hiking at Soldiers Delight NEA is not recommended during periods of extreme heat. Heat related illness and dehydration can and have occurred. Pets without protected paws risk serious burns requiring evacuation on sensitive, protected ground.

In July, the air temperature might be 100ºF, but the surface of the trail can be far hotter, as you see in this photo of an infrared thermometer showing the surface temperature of our Serpentine Trail at 135ºF. This is because solid serpentine bedrock lies just beneath  a shallow surface of soil. Please recreate responsibly in this rare ecosystem and visit on cooler, cloudy days or early in the morning after sunrise. Make certain your pets are kept on a very short leash and that their paws are protected. Be sure you and your pets are well-hydrated at all times!