Oct. 15 guided Carp Hills hike will be test of new trail app

CARP – Take a tour on the Crazy Horse Trail in real time while exploring the Friends of the Carp Hills’ (FCH) new mobile app.

“Join us on a guided hike using our new mobile app featuring an interpretive guide for the Crazy Horse Trail,” the FCH released in a statement today (Oct. 3). “We’ve been working on a GPS-enabled interpretive guide all summer and it’s almost ready to launch.”

And the FCH hope you will join them for the launch Sunday, Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

“We will use a beta test version and walk the trail together,” the FCH said. “You can download the app and help us improve it by providing feedback on the 16 points of interest.”

The app will be available for both Android and Apple phones.

“No need to sign up,” the FCH said. “Just be at the trailhead (intersection of March Road and Huntmar Drive) at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. Well-behaved dogs on-leash are welcome. We will cancel only if it’s raining.”

Before you arrive, download the Thirty Trail app from the Android Play Store or the Apple Store.  

“When we make our Crazy Horse Trail guide available online before the hike, you will be able to download it onto your smart phone using this app,” the FCH said.

FCH trails coordinator Bernard Proulx says the trails are in good condition for a hike.

“Despite the hot and wet summer we have had, both the Crazy Horse and Carp Barrens trails are in very good condition,” he said. “As usual, the Carp Barrens trail is relatively dry; however the Crazy Horse Trail does have some wet and muddy sections. We recommend you wear waterproof footwear.”

It appears a wet Augu’t has extended the mosquito season in the Carp Hills.

“As for the Carp Hills “national bird,’ the mosquito, they are still active in wet areas so make sure to bring bug repellant or you will need a blood transfusion,” Proulx said. “We have already started to notice colour changes in the Carp Hills. Soon the trails will be in full autumn colours of red, yellow and orange.”

Another reminder is hunting season Hs arrived in the hills.

“A reminder to all our trail users the hunting season has started,” Proulx said. “From September to December we strongly recommend you stay on the marked trails and wear a bright orange or yellow vest.  Happy trails.  Be safe and enjoy the beauty of the Carp Hills trails.”