An adventure to the geologic past will be the focus of the third Wilderness Hike of the summer this weekend at the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

This Sunday's hike offer a great opportunity to visit the North Unit’s Petrified Forest, a remote and seldom visited area of the park which has become the favorite destination of summer wilderness hikes.

“Theodore Roosevelt National Park contains the third-largest concentration of petrified wood in the U.S.,” said Superintendent Valerie J. Naylor. “Visitors often don’t realize that both the North and South Units contain significant petrified forest areas.”

In addition to observing geologic features, visitors will experience the natural history and solitude of the Theodore Roosevelt Wilderness. Depending on group size and weather, the outing will last from three to six hours, and will cover two to six miles. As this strenuous hike will travel through rugged terrain, participants are strongly urged to wear attire appropriate for wilderness travel, especially sturdy closed-toed boots and durable clothes.

Participants should meet at the picnic area in the Juniper Campground at 9 a.m. CDT Sunday. Hikers should bring plenty of drinking water, food, sunscreen, rain gear, and insect repellent. Binoculars, cameras and a favorite poem or quote are also encouraged. In the case of extreme weather, the hike may be cancelled; please call the North Unit Visitor Center at 701-842-9071 for the latest weather information.

The final wilderness hike of the 2013 summer season will be offered on Sunday, September 1.

For more information about the park and other upcoming activities, please visit the park’s website.