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
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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!
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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?
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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?
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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- Bird Walk @ Eggers GroveEggers Woods Forest Preserve, Chicago, IL
This Meetup is with the Forest Preserves of Cook County. You will meet FPCC staff or volunteers onsite.
Learn about fall bird migration patterns and look for local and migrant birds. Limited supply of binoculars available for loan at select events.
This is a 2 mile walk on uneven grass and dirt trails. It is at a very slow pace.More information visit our website:https://fpdcc.com/event/bird-walk-14/2025-10-02/
This program is brought to you by the South Zone Team. Please email southzoneprogram@cookcountyil.gov with questions.
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The Forest Preserves of Cook County is committed to providing equal, integrated participation for individuals with disabilities. To obtain information about accommodations or request an accommodation please contact the hosting nature center or 708-771-1573 or experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov. Please give us 72 hours notice in advance of the program to process the request.
For additional information about accessibility visit our website: https://fpdcc.com/about/accessibility/ - Morning & Afternoon Fall Tree ID WalkCaldwell Woods Warming Shelter, Chicago, IL
Enjoy a staff-led walk and learn how to identify trees in the fall.
**This event will be held in the morning at 11 AM and afternoon at 3 PM.**Register for the morning walk here.
Register for the afternoon walk here.
Registration is appreciated but not required.This event is brought to you by the North Zone team. For questions or concerns, please contact maria.blanco@cookcountyil.gov or 773-758-8899.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is committed to providing equal, integrated participation for individuals with disabilities. To obtain information about accommodations or request an accommodation please contact 708-771-1573 or experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov. Please give us 72 hours notice in advance of the program to process the request.
For additional information about accessibility visit our website. - Hike Chain O Lakes State park, Blue, Green, Red trails 6.5 miles, 4.5 option8916 Wilmot Rd, Spring Grove, IL
Optional post hike lunch
El Puerto, a group favorite!
200 Forest Ave Fox Lake http://www.elpuertorestaurant.net
Weather permitting we'll sit outside
Separate checks ok per JoseMeeting Location
Horse tailor parking lot
Go exactly 1/2 mile after you turn into the park. Then make a left turn at the sign that says "Horse trailer Parking".
You will pass the permit office and stop sign. There is no entrance fee for daily use. Look for the sign Horse trailers parking shortly after the permit office.Map pin for the parking lot:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1EmZUpLHjuGZ8WLY6?g_st=icHike Summary
There is an option to do 4.5 miles and end up in the parking lot. This is hike 1. The second hike adds 2 additional miles on the red trail.
Woodland with scenic vistas of rolling terrain and some prairie views.
Over 80% shade but full sun exposure at times for up to 10-15 minutes.
Then its all woodland with some filtered light.
There are some hilly areas and if you've been to Moraine Hills State Park or Freeman Kame its similar to that.
This is an easy hike for experienced hikers but people not used to hiking should consider it intermediate. The trails are unlevel in areas and can be slippery in a few areas after a heavy rain. There was not much mud even after a heavy rain, just a few areas.
Expect trails of all sizes and shapes, from narrow single track to 3-4 foot wide dirt to wide crushed gravel or grass.
These are all natural surface trails shared with equestrian riders.Hike 1
Blue and Green trails and will end up being about 4.5 miles.
These are loops and end up back at the parking lot. Heavily forested area with filtered sunshine.
Not as many wildflowers on this part since its so shaded but still very nice.I will show you a new spur trail that connects to another set of trails (Goldfinch, Badger, Sunset and more!).
Its possible to get 12+ miles and no repeats with what I discovered.
This undocumented trail is not on Alltrails and nowhere on the published map.
You will learn where the trails of two major trail systems connect on this hike.Hike 2:
Red Trail - 2 additional miles for a total of 6.5.
Expect 75% shade and 25% full sun with prairie views in full bloom.
There were many swallowtails and a few monarchs last year.
We will never walk in full sun longer than 10 minutes at a time on this trail.This hike is cross posted with Trailblazers hiking group https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/308362999 and my guest rsvp will include members of that group.
