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Details

Trip Summary:

  • Mileage: Approximately 15 miles (first day ~9.8 mi, second day ~5.3 mi)
  • Terrain/conditions: Moderate
  • Location: Governor Dodge State Park, WI
  • Capacity: 12 people total
  • Camping: stay overnight at group camp B on Friday, Oct 2, then stay at backpack sites 805 and 806 on Saturday, Oct 3

Requirements: This is a trip for intermediate backpackers, or beginners who have appropriate experience to hike and camp without assistance. If you have not completed an overnight trip with our group, please direct message the organizer to introduce yourself. Review the club guidelines posted here: https://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Backpackers/. The trail consists mostly of packed dirt along rolling terrain. While we will take breaks throughout the day, you should be in good physical shape so that the group can stay together and have a positive experience.

Meetup messaging is unreliable, and we use email for pre-trip communications. You will be asked to enter your email when you RSVP. Respond to organizer emails in a timely manner or risk forfeiting your spot on the trip. Participation is at the discretion of the organizer. DO NOT RSVP UNLESS YOU FULLY INTEND TO PARTICIPATE AND HAVE ARRANGED FOR TIME OFF FROM WORK, ETC. Cancellations and non-responders require the organizers to take additional time to contact and confirm waiting list participants to fill the spots.

Water access: Participants should plan to filter water from surface water sources, which are plentiful in the park. Additionally, the horse camp close to the backpacking sites has potable water available.

Gear: this is a self-supported trip, meaning each participant should provide their own backpacking gear as though this were a solo trip. Participants are encouraged to bring their own stove and fuel and water filtration, but the organizers can share theirs with participants who do not have these items.

Itinerary:

You can view a trail and campground map on the Governor Dodge State Park website at https://widnr.widen.net/s/sf6d7k9glq/governor-dodge_map. The specific route is available through the Komoot app link integrated with Meetup. If this doesn't work (it's in beta), the organizers will share a PDF.

Friday Oct 2, evening:

  • Meet at Governor Dodge State Park Group Camp B when able. Check-in is 3:00, and while organizers likely will not arrive until early evening, you do not have to check in with the park office and can go directly to the campsite. The GPS coordinates are 43.05106063527569, -90.09696523179656.

Saturday Oct 3:

  • 9:30 am: drive to Stephen's Falls parking lot (43.02718380884434, -90.13129113705372), which is our trailhead
  • 10:00: start on trail
  • ~4:00 pm: arrive campsite

Sunday Oct 4:

  • Get up and get going when we feel like it.
  • Return to Stephen's Falls trailhead.
  • Optional lunch at a restaurant nearby once off the trail.

Transportation: trip organizers do not arrange carpools, which are optional, but we do encourage carpooling. Once the participant list is set, the Organizer will send out an email and share contact info with permission for those who wish to participate in carpooling. Each car should make its own arrangements for gas and WI State Park Vehicle Admission Pass. More information on vehicle pass here.

Costs: camping costs will be divided evenly among the participants and organizers. Approximately $20/person.

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](http://meetup.com/)](http://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](http://meetup.com/)](http://meetup.com/) Terms of Service.
(https://www.meetup.com/terms/)
Prior to the weekend, you will be emailed a waiver form that must be signed and returned before the trip. Again, please ensure that you provide an email address that you actively use

We’re looking forward to seeing you out on the trail!

Jesse and Rob

Photo credited to:https://stateparks.com/governor_dodge_state_park_in_wisconsin.html

Route of the event

Beta
View this route on komoot

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