Saturday Day Trip to Whitewater State Park + Scenic Trail Lunch + Elba House

Let's meet up at Whitewater State Park for a challenging (and rewarding!) hike in the beautiful Driftless Area of SE Minnesota! We will take a break mid-hike for lunch/snacks-please pack what you enjoy and don’t forget water.
Following the hike, join us (optional) for snacks/refreshments(ice cream!) at Elba House Coffee & Spirits, 1885 S Main St, Elba, MN, 55910. Festival for the Hungry and music starts at 4pm. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15WZcDQ85X/

Whitewater State Park is known for picturesque limestone bluffs and deep ravines. The trails are challenging, but the views are spectacular! We will plan to hike 7-8 miles at a moderate pace over 3-4 hours with occasional breaks to hydrate and take in the scenery. There are a lot of steps up and down(400+), with some narrow areas on the trails. The trails are uneven, rocky, likely to have roots and ruts, often narrow and steep at times, and may include crossing streams that will get your footwear wet. Poles are suggested to assist with the technical trails and knee comfort.

This is a challenging hike, so if you are new to hiking or unsure of your hiking strength and stamina to keep up, then this event is not for you.

Each car will need a state park pass. The prices are: $35 for an annual pass and $7 for a daily pass.

Bathrooms: There are modern restrooms in the visitor center with one vault toilet along the trail.

IMPORTANT: Please honor your RSVP and if your plans change update your status to Not Going as soon as you are aware, even if you are on the Waitlist.

HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.

Furthermore, all participants are expected to adhere to the guidelines agreed to when signing up for Meetup: https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-content-policies-Rules-for-using-Meetup

No dogs, no +1s, no children on this hike. Only Twin Cities Hiking Meetup members who agree to these expectations will be welcome on the hike.

Carpooling is encouraged, especially for a park this far out, but safety should be the top priority. If you wish to carpool, I suggest contacting other hikers you already know and make your arrangements that way. Alternatively, someone can suggest a meetup time and place in the event comments and then whomever shows up decides who drives/rides. It's always nice to give some gas money to comp the driver.

Meetup time is 10:00 AM, in front of the park ranger office/visitor center. We will make introductions, go over the route and get on the trail no later than 10:15 AM.
*be sure to plan your driving route before you set off for the park. There is little to no cell signal in the park, so your only option to get into the MeetUp app once you get to the park is possible WiFi at the visitor center*

See you there!