What we’re about
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” - Unknown
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost
---------------------------------------
Do you love Hiking and Adventures?
Welcome to the Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Meetup Group. We strive for adventures, fun, and friendships. This group is for people who enjoy hiking, being outdoors and meeting new people. We feature hikes for all skill levels, canoeing, camping, biking, social gatherings and other outdoor activities. These events are a great way to get out, meet people, and smell some fresh air. If you have a suggestion, please feel free to contact the Organizer or post them on “ideas for meetup” on the calendar page. Most of the activities are pretty tame, but any participation in this group is at your own risk. If you want to meet fun and adventurous people, this group is for you. Come join us. It will be an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Adventures are closer than you think!
---------------------------------------
Get Involved:
We need Assistant Organizers and Event Hosts! If you don't see your preferred activity listed or a hike on your side of town, please volunteer by contacting the Organizer! You might be surprised just how many people are looking to do the same activity that you are. Other ways to volunteer would be a Greeter (Greet new members as they join the group.) or Monthly News Letter Editor (Write articles for a Monthly News Letter to be published on the message board.). We welcome Event & Group Sponsors who need some publicity for a great price!
Why not become a Hike Leader?
---------------------------------------
Monthly Photo Contest:
We are having a Monthly Photo Contest. You have 1 month to upload your favorite photo. At the end of the month, the Assist Organizers will pick the top 12. We will then have a poll for voting on these 12. The members will be able to rate each picture from 1 to 10 rating. The photo with the highest ratings at the end of this month will win. This photo will then be used as the open page picture for following month. The only thing you receive are bragging rights.
Upload January Photos Here: http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoHOS/photos/799681/
Please name the photo and leave a comment about the photo.
So why not amaze the rest of the members with you photography skills?
---------------------------------------
100 Miles Club and 200 Miles Club:
Are you looking for a Goal to reach? We have two clubs for you. You join the 100 Miles Club when you reach 100 Miles hiking a year with this group only (Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Meetup Group). You join the 200 Miles Club when you reach 200 Miles hiking a year with any Meetup Groups (Windy City Hikers, this group, etc.). Your Meetup Names will be posted in the About Section in this group.
Let’s start counting those miles!
---------------------------------------
Dues and Fees:
There are no membership dues to be part of this group. For prepay events, we will sometimes add up to three dollars, normally 1 to 2, to the payment to help out with the Meetup.com monthly fees.
For other events, example hikes, we suggest a 1 or 2 dollar donation at the start of the event. This is totally voluntary. No records will be kept for who donates and who doesn’t.
If you want to make a voluntary donation. Go to the top of this page and click on "Pay Online". Enter the amount you would like to donate. Donate any amount you like. This will be paid with Paypal.
We would personally prefer if people would donate their time as an Assistant Organizer or Hike Leader versus making a donation of money. Any help is very much appreciated.
Thank you!
---------------------------------------
Other Recommended Outdoors Meetup Groups: If events are full on this group, why not see what these groups are up to.
The NW Burbs Camping Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/NWBurbs-Camping/
Southwest Suburbs Sports, Outdoors, & Social Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/SWBurbsSOS/
Chicago Camping & Outdoors Adventure Group
http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoCampers/
Please support Outdoors Meetup Groups!
---------------------------------------
See you on the trail!
Kevin
PS: Tell a Friend about us!
Come find us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2373072738&gi...
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Lets explore & Hike Lemont Heritage Quarries, 4, 5.5 or 8 miles, optional lunch227 Heritage Quarries Dr, Lemont, IL
Optional post hike lunch
Barrel & Vine
206 Main St Lemont
https://www.barrelvine.net/menu/
Separate checks ok per Noah
Reservation at 12:45 under Lynette/Hiking group
Arrive earlier if you wish, I will dine earlier and hang out with the group later.Hike Summary:
Please allow for max 25 minutes per mile to allow for time to take pictures and for people to use facilities between hikes. There are multiple mileage options and you can leave whenever you wish. We arrive back at the lot after each.These trails are owned by Lemont Township and they said that all are welcome, no rsvp limit. Its located near Waterfall Glen.
The first time I came here I didn't know what to expect. It thru some surprises at me including a 6 foot waterfall and some pretty scenery. Water features are everywhere on this hike.
I last led a hike here in March 2024 in partnership with the Forge. They have since dissolved their meetup group. This parking lot and venue is open to the public and since I've been here before I now know what to expect. I'm looking forward to visiting this place in a different season!
Hike 1: 4 miles
This will be a perimeter loop along trails of all sizes and shapes. Its easy with a few areas of unlevel surfaces.
Mostly crushed gravel path 6-8 feet wide, nice lake on one side and light forest on the other, not heavily shaded.
Some areas are narrow single track packed dirt with unlevel sections thru forest. A few muddy areas possible if its been raining. We'll end up back at the parking lotHike 2: 1.5 more miles (5.5 cumulative)
This part is optional and explore the inner trails of Heritage quarry. Its an Intermediate hike in some areas due to unlevel rocky terrain and a steep hill but mostly easy. They are all dirt trails and if its been raining will be muddy. These trails are very wide with nothing on them but dirt and rocks. A bulldozer came thru here not so long ago and made them.Its forested, not dense but sufficient enough to provide shade if you came back here in Summer. Trails have rocky areas and nothing flat and smooth. I was surprised by a steep ravine, maybe only 15 or 20 feet but had to grip onto trees going down cause I didn't have my poles.
Hike 3: 2 more miles (8 cumulative)
Explore other sections along the canal. We can hike the other side of the canal from the waterfall along the canal and do another loop. This would involve repeating about .4 miles from hike 1.Directions / where to meet:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dfbh3H2cRSFWVCws8?g_st=ic
227 Heritage Quarries Dr, Lemont
Parking Lot #1, near the porta pottiesIts an industrial area outside of main Lemont downtown.
You'll have to cross over some railroad tracks to get here.
The tracks and streets are at very odd, unusual angles.Once you cross the railroad tracks you'll see the canal.
Take a gravel road that is on the left side of the canal
and follow signs for the Forge.Its about half mile drive down a bumpy gravel road to get to the parking lot 1. You'll know your in parking lot 1 when you see the Forge zipline
equipment.This hike is cross posted with Chicagoland Trailblazers Hiking group
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/310143360
and my guest RSVP will include members of that group.
