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 3.5 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 300 feet of elevation gain...and the same amount of descent. This year I'm doing it a bit different and adding a leg that will go through the New Salem Historic Site, between all the cabins...it's very nice! To allow time for this extra 1.5 miles I'm cutting off a small section (the 2nd big uphill) and moving the Apres to 12:30 to give us a bit more time to go slow in the Historic Village.

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.