Annual Palm Sunday Hike

Annual Palm Sunday Hike

St. John’s Church in the Wilderness

Sunday – April 2, 2023

Barring any late snowstorm, the good people of St. John’s Church in the Wilderness plan to host the traditional Palm Sunday hikers’ event on April 2nd this year.  A light lunch will be provided by the parishioners. (Note: The Barn itself is not usable due to needed repairs. If the weather is fair, tables will be set up in the field near the Barn. If the weather is poor, the lunch will take place inside using the Church’s meeting rooms.) The luncheon is scheduled for 2PM. There is no charge for the food and drink, but donations are always welcomed. The annual Palm Sunday hike to St. John’s Church in the Wilderness has been a tradition since the 1930’s. Other groups from other hiking clubs are out this day headed to St. John’s, and it is very common to cross paths with them as we hike along.

There will be two groups for the hike, one led by Ray Kozma taking a ‘traditional’ route that will take us along Breakneck Pond and go through the AMC camp, and one led by Lewis Ports who will take the trails on the ridge above Breakneck Pond. Both groups will start together from the gate at 7 Lakes Drive.  At a rest stop at Diamond Creek, the groups will separate, meeting up later at the church.

Since this is a one-way hike, please note:

All who are driving should meet at the Church by 9AM where the cars will be parked. All cars, except for the one or two that will shuttle hikers/drivers back to our starting point, will be left at the Church where the hike finishes. The hike will start from the Camp gate and Seven Lakes Drive about 10 AM. The address of the church is 119 Johnstown Road, Stony Point, NY between Lake Welch Parkway and Route 106.  

Palm Sunday is in early April this year and early Spring weather can be unpredictable. Rain, some cold, blustery weather, including snow and ice, are always a possibility. Participants should dress warmly (layers, no cotton), bring lunch, snacks, water, raingear, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Traction devices are recommended in case there is ice on the trail.

All participants must register with Ray Kozma (917-406-37820) or raymondkozma@gmail.com  or with Lewis Ports (646-339-1316) or ports.lewis@gmail.com by Thursday night, March 30, 2023.  Hike is Qualifying.