Let's Start The Backpacking Season at Forest Glen

Have you been cooped up all Winter and eager to start the backpacking season? We are!
So let's get out and do a quick overnight at Forest Glen in Central Illinois.

Trip Summary (aka tl;dr):

• Mileage: 11 miles loop trail (Day 1: 8 miles, Day 2: 3 miles)
• Terrain/conditions: Moderate (the trail goes up and down ravines of no more than 75 feet of inclines along a dirt single track trail)
• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Weather: Avg daytime high is 45 degrees, overnight low is 30 degrees
• Location: Forest Glen Preserve, River Ridge Trail
• https://vccd.org/forest-glen-preserve/

Cost:
$5 fee per person payable in cash to organizers at the parking lot to cover the Forest Glen camping fee.

Who should sign up?:
While River Ridge is a great trail for beginners, we are encouraging some backpacking experience for this one because of the colder overnight temperatures.
If you're unsure whether or not you have the right gear for sub-freezing camping, drop a note in the comments and Gene or I (or someone else) will reply. That said, you should have the following among your gear:

• Insulated mattress pad
• A sleeping bag or quilt with a comfort rating of at least 20 degrees, or more if you sleep cold (comfort, not survival)

This trip is open to anyone 18+ years old. All participants should be in good health and be physically fit, as backpacking is a strenuous cardiovascular exercise.

A Few More Details (aka, The Deets):

• We practice Leave No Trace (see: https://lnt.org/).
• We typically host a Zoom call with participants about a week before the trip.
• Upon registration, you'll get an email with a link to the mandatory waiver that all participants need to sign.
• Our goal is that you have a fun and safe experience. So if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Itinerary:
Saturday, Mar 14
Leave home in time to arrive at Forest Glen Preserve by 9:30 am. (normally 3 hours from downtown Chicago)
Hike approx. 8 miles to East Camp (the back-country campsites) over hilly single-track trail.
Sunday, Mar 15
Hike approx. 3 miles back to cars. Finished by noon.
Drive back to Chicago (or wherever you'd like to drive to).

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/)

Looking forward to seeing you on trail,

Gene & Rob