Forest Park Beginner Friendly Fridays All Trails Challenge: Hike #01

WHEN: Friday, July 11, 2025
TIME: 10:15 am
WHERE: World Forestry Center
TOTAL MILES: ~ 6.6 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: ~ 971 ft
PACE: Social 1.5 - 2.5 mph
DIFFICULTY RATING: Mostly moderate but strenuous on the uphill climbs ESTIMATED TIME: 3 hrs
PERMITS: Parking fee required (to avoid fee, I park in the free spaces near Hoyt Arboretum and walk to the Forestry Center)

This is hike #1 in a series of 20 hikes that cover the entire 80 miles of trail in Forest Park. Because not all of the trails can be done as an independent loop it will require hiking more than 115 miles to complete the entire challenge. If you miss a hike, don't worry. I will continue to cycle through the entire set of hikes and makeup hikes are available upon request.

This is a social paced, beginner friendly hike. Nobody will be left behind! My pace is slow but steady. For some it is too slow. I strive for being just slightly out of breath.

My hikes are cannabis friendly; expect wrong turns.

Dogs are welcome.

Please remember that I'm simply a volunteer inviting others to join in on a hike, I'm not a professional guide nor do I receive compensation for leading this hike. I must insist that everybody be responsible for their own safety and well-being.