The Chicago Backpackers Meetup Group

• Mileage: low
• Terrain/conditions: moderate
• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Location Details: River Ridge Trail (11 miles)

This is an overnight trip to Forest Glen Preserve. We will leave early on Saturday morning and arrive by 11:00 am at Forest Glen and backpack approximately 8 miles to camp. We will finish with a 3 mile hike on Sunday finishing up around 1:00 pm. Please read the entire description and any linked information before signing up.

Requirements:
This is a trip geared towards beginner backpackers. You will be expected to hike and carry in all of the items needed for an overnight stay in the backcountry.

Consider these questions and ask yourself if you are prepared.

After RSVPs close, a trip organizer will send a group email with more details to those attending.

Details on Gear and Food Needs
Read this document: Intro Trip Gear and Food Needs

Pre-trip Meeting
We will hold a virtual orientation session approximately 2 weeks prior to the trip, and we are expecting you to be responsive to emails to assist with planning. Respond to organizer emails in a timely manner or risk forfeiting your spot on the trip. Participation is at the discretion of the organizer.

Trip Itinerary
Saturday, Jun 15
Leave home in time to arrive at Forest Glen Preserve by 11:00 am. (normally 3 hours from downtown Chicago)
Hike approx. 7-8 miles to back-country camp over hilly single-track trail.

Sunday, Jun 16
Hike approx. 3-4 miles back to cars.
Drive back to Chicago.

Map of the area:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gP2MekCJHFHXEhmXdPWEl70OSztY0nLD/view?usp=sharing

https://vccd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/FG-Backpack-Trail.pdf

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

Each member is responsible for getting to the meeting point on time. If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late, contact the trip organizer, as this affects the entire group.

Weather
Be prepared for overnight temperatures as low as 50 degrees and the possibility for rain (but hope for nicer weather)

Historic Weather Data

Costs
$10 suggested donation to cover camping fees
Gas money for carpooling as appropriate

Review the club guidelines posted here.
Review Club Guidelines

Acknowledgment
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 that 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.

Review the Meetup.com Terms of Service
https://www.meetup.com/terms/

Waiver:
You will be required to sign and complete a “Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnification Agreement” before attending. We will send you a link to a digital copy to sign before the trip start date. Here is a read-only link to the release to review prior to joining.

Review Waiver Here

Questions?
If you have questions or concerns contact one of the organizers. We are happy to discuss trip details and answer any questions.

-Nathan, Katie & Brian