8th Annual Black Friday hike at Kettle Moraine

Depending on the weather, I might change it up this year. If there's no snow, we'll go exploring Orange trails and Connector trails between John Muir and Emma Carlin. If there is snow cover on the trails, we'll stick to the familiar John Muir Blue Loop. Either way, it will be 10-11 miles on hilly terrain. Afterward, we'll have a late lunch at the 841 Brewery in Whitewater.

It is very possible that the trails will be icy---even if it is dry in Chicago. If that's the case, traction devices for your boots will be REQUIRED (YakTrax , Ice Trekkers, MicroSpikes, etc.). You can buy these at a running store or outdoor store. One year the trail was covered in sheer ice in many spots. Those who had traction devices were literally twice as fast as those who did not, and it was impossible to keep the group together.

Hiking distance: 10-11 miles on hilly terrain.

Hiking time: approx 4 hours

Driving time from Loop: approx 2 hours

Parking: $11 per car CASH (unless you have a WI annual sticker)

Carpooling: If you need a ride or can offer a ride, make a comment in your RSVP

DIRECTIONS: This map has the location of the trailhead (https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+John+Muir+Trails/@42.8198738,-88.6053856,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8805e8573fb48425:0xf6c802731722ff1a).

or

Go to the La Grange General Store (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=la+grange+general+store&hl=en&ll=42.79951,-88.602333&spn=0.00962,0.018475&sll=42.834122,-88.737602&sspn=0.038457,0.0739&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A), then head north on County Road H for about a mile until you see the trail head for John Muir Trails on the LEFT.