Indy Hiker

It's time to start back the overnight trips in the HoosierNF, and this first trip will see us exploring around the northern parts of the Hickory Ridge area. This area is fairly easy to navigate bushwacking compared to other areas, and will be the easiest trip. I know this area very well, and will pass by some old homestead sites, wildlife ponds, small rock features and other unique areas We'll be hiking for about 8 to 10 miles each day, pace will remain around 1.25 mph overall with terrain and breaks.
We will also will be hiking roughly two loops, so we will end up setting up camp within a mile or so of the meeting location. That makes a trip back to a vehicle to grab supplies possible, or to drop off gear after breaking camp on day 2.. This hike will still be primarily off trail, so expect some briars, creek crossings, short steep sections and lots of climbing over-ducking under things with a loaded pack. Also ticks will still be present, and since we'll be following deer trails and old roadbeds at times they can be extremely thick. Please wear treated clothes or whatever precautions you can.
We will also be dispersed camping in a small valley, so a small footprint tent or hammock is best. You'll have to clear and make your own pad for your tent, but the valley I've chosen has plenty of small clearings for a pad or two spaced apart as you walk along the creekbed. Temps are always a little cooler overnight when sleeping in valleys, so be prepared to dip a few degrees lower than forecasted temperatures. While this is one of the easier routes, it's still a very challenging trip if you've never backpacked off trail. While pace is slow, walking side hills and uneven terrain, ducking, climbing and going around or through things requires much more work. Also briars trying to trip you, spiderwebs are thicker, constantly walking through branches like a slalom course also lead to slower pacing and more fatigue. But there are also old roadbeds we will follow, large clearings and pretty easy conditions for a majority of the route.

Join Us, , a fun group of hiking friends at Ft. Ben State Park, Indy every Sunday afternoon
► Hikes generally run 2mph and 2 HOURS, but are circumstance-responsive. We typically complete 5 miles.
► We hike all year round, every week, same time approximately with some earlier start times during the darkest weeks of the year. (Please note the start times when you sign up)
► These are all-weather events. We hike in heat, cold, rain, snow. Test your rain gear in inclement weather; test your hydration strategies when it's broiling; test your layering when it's cold. No matter what, the sun is always shining on us when we hike together, even when it is hidden behind the clouds.
► We may do some OFF-TRAIL hikes when the foliage is leaf-less in order to preserve trails and to gain a different perspective of the forest.
► A pint/hour of WATER is always a good idea.
► FLASHLIGHTS may be helpful in the winter months.

Ft. Ben Trails (including the asphalt circuit and the sledding hill on those occasions when trails are soaked) are a marvelous training resource.

MEET NEAR THE REDDICK SHELTER at 4:10pm (unless otherwise noted); departure 10 mins later.

HEATED/AC RESTROOMS NEARBY.

PARK ENTRY FEE/PERMIT REQUIRED. If you'd like to arrange a carpool from near the gate (or Jockamo Pizza), saving the $7 State Park fee, post a Comment.

POST-HIKE almost always, at a local Lawrence eating establishment like Jockamo Pizze - but we are going to explore some other haunts this year.
HIKE PICNICing, mostly On Demand. (Thus, if you wish for this and don't see it in the Event's Comment section, do post a Comment on the Event page!)
►

RSVPs: Close 9:30am Sundays the morning of the Hike. Your "Going" RSVP means people will rely upon your presence. We are a community first and we care for each other. If you say Yes and then don't come we will worry and fret and... well, maybe not. But we will at least wonder about your whereabouts. Be considerate to your trail companions. Keep your RSVP up-to-date, always.

Trip number 2 will take place the weekend before opening weekend of shotgun season. So please wear some bright colors as other hunting season are on-going.
We'll meet at the northern end of Nebo Ridge, just outside of Story Indiana. We'll hike the trail for about 2 miles, and then turn off to follow a more direct southern route towards the Mitchel - Tidd - Parr Hollows to set up camp overnight. Then a return trip heading north towards Oak Ridge before turning west back to the parking area.
Each day will cover between 8-10 miles, but it will feel like a lot more being off trail. Pace will be very slow as well, 45 to 50 minute miles. Off trail bushwacking is often through thick briars for short stretches, lots of creek crossings that can be knee deep, steep hills and the occasional backtracking when there's not a safe way down. Winding through lot of low branches, spiderwebs and uneven terrain present more challenges as well, hence why the pace is never rushed.
I have hiked most of the route and have plenty of camping spots even in summer we can use. It will even be possible to cache items the day before off of Berry Road, I will try to add a exact loaction to the description prior to the event. This is a full on backpacking overnight trip, so carry what you need for an overnight. A small footprint tent is best when setting up dispersed, or better still a hammock can make just about everywhere a good site. We will be staying in a large valley, so temps often get colder then the expected low by several degrees so plan accordingly.