New Salem State Historic Site

This hike explores the area around New Salem State Historic Site, the village where Lincoln lived for several years. The hike crosses a variety of terrain, including mature woodlands, hills, bottomlands, and the Sangamon River. There are several intersecting trails, and I plan to link parts of the Cardinal Ridge Trail, Shady Hollow Trail, Damselfly Trail and the Shickshack Trail to make a nice loop of 4.3 miles in length, (unless I get lost in which case it will be longer). There is a fair bit of up-and-down which adds up to a little over 400 feet of elevation gain...and the same amount of descent. You could stay and combine the walk with a visit to New Salem Village, (see pic above) but of course that would mean you'd miss the Apres.

NOTE: You must RSVP separately for the apres'-hike potluck picnic, it's a separate Meetup event.Apres-hike lunch location: West of Wise is an award-winning local winery located just 2 minutes from the trailhead at 14096 IL-97. They have a great selection of wines and a nice outdoor area. We will have several sun shades set up (please let me know if you can bring one), a table for the food, and everyone can bring their own lawn chair.

Of course you'll still need to purchase your beverages from West of Wise.