The First People called them Sasawumun or Sasumuneash; we call them cranberries. This annual CCNW quest to gather the “sour berry” for our holiday baking and cooking includes climbing a dune with deep, loose sand for panoramic views before dropping into low, tucked-away spots where native bogs thrive. Bring a bag for collecting. Disclaimer: Nature offers no guarantee as to how many berries will be available. 😉 Bring a cup or mug for tea & a treat at walk’s end. 

Meet at 9:15 to for sign-in and stretch. We’ll begin walking promptly at 9:30. Hosted by Sue Moynihan with Sweep TBD. Read to the bottom for directions to our meeting point. ** Trained Sweeps, please consider helping.**

Prerequisite: Instructional clinic, prior intermediate-level walks, and ability to walk at a steady pace for 4 miles, including 1.5 miles through deep, loose sand.
Distance: ~4+ miles. No shorter or turn-back option.
Pace: Moderate and steady on hard pack, slower on soft sand. Occasional stops for views and we will linger in the bogs for collecting.
Terrain: ~3 miles on hard pack trail & pavement and ~1.5 miles on deep, loose sand. The sand segment is challenging.

For Your Safety: Consider the weather forecast when making your RSVP decision. WATER MUST BE CARRIED ON ALL WALKS! In consideration of personal and group safety, if you arrive without water, you will not be allowed to walk. Dress for the weather and choose appropriate footwear for trail conditions. Use repellent to protect yourself from ticks, which are active year round. Wear blaze orange for visibility and safety during hunting season.

• Limit 1 walk per day and 3 bookings per week (Sunday to Saturday) to give others the chance to walk. If you are already holding 3 bookings for the week of this walk, please do not sign up.
• Wear your CCNW ID badge.
• Rubber tips necessary.
• Sand or mud baskets strongly suggested for deep sand
• Open, exposed route. Sun protection and sunglasses recommended.
• No restrooms or water. Bring tissue in a plastic bag in case of a bio break need.
• If your plans change, kindly cancel your booking at least 24 hours in advance of walk start time so other walkers may join.

Walk may be canceled, changed, or rescheduled for weather or other reasons. Cancellation decision will be made at least 2 hours in advance. **Check your email (including spam) and this walk listing before driving to the walk. ** If a walk is canceled, registrants will receive a system-generated email, and the walk will no longer be visible in the event listing or on the calendar.

This walk is authorized under a National Park Service Special Use Permit, and berry gathering will follow collection limits.

Directions: Meet at Pilgrim Heights Picnic Area in North Truro. Route 6 to North Truro. Turn right into the Pilgrim Heights Picnic Area. Follow road to the end and park near the small gazebo. If you reach Dune Crest Motel, you have just missed the Pilgrim Heights turn. Coords: 42.05499° N, 70.10639° W