Forest Glen Halloween Weekend

Overnight trip to Forest Glen Preserve, a Vermillion County park near Westville, IL

And it'll be Halloween, so costumes are encouraged!

Trip Summary:
Mileage: 11mi
Terrain/conditions: Moderate
Weather: potential for colder temps and wet weather
Special conditions: bow hunters will be active in the park, but they are required to be 100 yards from the trail and camping areas.
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Location Details: Forest Glen River Ridge Trail (11 miles)
https://vccd.org/forest-glen-preserve/

This is a trip for beginner/intermediate backpackers. Review the club guidelines posted here. https://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Backpackers/
Contact one of the organizers if you have any questions about the trip.

About the Trip:
We will leave early on Saturday morning and arrive by 10:00 am at Forest Glen and hike approximately 7-8 miles to camp. We will finish with about 3-4 miles on Sunday.

Map of the area:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fpy1K5Xgfz0zZgzcNv-FZa3jyxYChgH/view?usp=sharing

Itinerary:
Saturday, October 31st
Leave home in time to arrive at Forest Glen Preserve by 10:00 am. (normally 3.5 hours from downtown Chicago)
Hike approx. 7-8 miles to the group campsite over hilly single-track trail.

Sunday, November 1st
Hike approx. 3-4 miles back to cars.
Optional group lunch at local restaurant.
Drive back to Chicago.

Prerequisite:
Backpacking experience is required. This includes suitable physical fitness and access to necessary gear to be self-sustaining for an overnight trip in wilderness conditions. Message one of the organizers if you have questions about your readiness for the trip.

Trip Expectations and Advisory:
We love pets, but they don't always do well in this location, particularly since there's archery hunting in the area. No pets, children, or other dependents.

If the trip is full, join the waitlist, which will be strictly governed on a first come, first served basis. Respond to organizer emails in a timely manner or risk forfeiting your spot on the trip. Participation is at the discretion of the organizer.

We practice Leave No Trace and expect that everyone attending is also committed to these principles. http://lnt.org/

Transportation:
Trip organizers do not arrange carpools but we do encourage carpooling. If you want to offer or solicit a ride, use the Comments section for the trip.

Costs:
Up to $10.00 (cost to be confirmed with attendees) payable to organizers, covering hiking fee per person to camp in Forest Glen and other shared trip costs. Also be sure to contribute funds toward
gas/tolls if you set up shared rides

Acknowledgement:
As a member of the Chicago Backpackers Group, by registering (RSVPing) for this event, you accept that Hiking & Backpacking can be a dangerous sport and fully assume all risks associated with such participation, including travel to and from the event. You agree to be responsible for your own safety and equipment. You realize that conditions, obstacles, and weather are always changing, and your personal safety cannot be guaranteed. You understand the Meetup.com Terms of Service agreement which you
signed when you joined Meetup (link below) and accept that participation is at your own risk. You agree to communicate with event organizers to plan for the trip and sign the Release of Liability provided by the organizers prior to participation.

Click here to review the Meetup.com Terms of Service.
(https://www.meetup.com/terms/)

Click here to review the club standard Release of Liability form. Once you RSVP please complete the form, which is required to confirm participation on our trips.
https://forms.gle/Prr2iXv9WnyMR7Go9

We are happy to discuss trip details and answer any questions. Please comment or message one of us if you have any questions.

The Organizers (Mike and Rob)