What we’re about
THIS GROUP WELCOMES EVERYONE!
WHO WE ARE
The Indianapolis Hiking Meetup Group was formed in October 2006 by Christine B. and has grown rapidly. We're a group who enjoys the outdoors, meeting new people, and just having fun.
Our aim is to explore the great hiking spots Indiana has to offer and provide an opportunity to socialize with others who have a passion for hiking. Hikers of all levels are welcome to join. With us, you'll burn a few calories and see some great sights to boot.
I also post the events as early as I can, so that people can determine if a particular weekend will work for them.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS!
The hikes we do are usually either moderate or rugged, depending on the park. The group is mainly for people who exercise on a regular basis or can handle the demands of the day's hike. It's important that people realize what their limits are and not attend a challenging hike they may not be ready for. Please be sure to note the hike descriptions and determine whether or not you'll be able to enjoy the event. None of us want anyone to end up injured or unable to finish a hike.
We also hike all year-round, so weather conditions can also be a factor, and although we avoid hiking in extreme temperatures (in the teens or in the nineties), please be aware of any weather conditions that may have an effect on your ability to hike.
TYPES OF HIKES
Rugged hikes consist of lengthy events across challenging terrain, which can mean rocky streambeds and steep hills. These hikes wouldn't be recommended for beginners or those who are still getting into shape. Our rugged events are often our best hikes but are definitely a workout. Examples of these would be Clifty Falls, Turkey Run, and Shades State Parks.
Moderate hikes are not as physically challenging as the rugged ones and take place on less hilly terrain. These hikes contain a few hills that will get your heart rate up or else the length of the hike will be the real challenge. These would require a decent level of fitness and examples of moderate hikes would be Eagle Creek or Fort Harrison.
Easy hikes aren't frequently on our schedules, but that may be a matter of opinion. Any hike in this category would consist of a flat terrain and nothing strenuous.
DUES
$3 per year
The dues go toward maintaining the fee for the Meetup site and dues are paid through the site.
GUESTS
You are always welcome to bring a guest or guests with you, but we ask that they join if they are your guest more than a couple times. We limit the number of guests to 2 people.
KIDS
We're not strictly an all-adult group, but young children may not be up for the hikes we do, so please take that into consideration. Any young people willing and able to come out are welcome.
DOGS
Dogs are welcome on our hikes, as long as he or she gets along with other pooches and a large group of people. In some cases, dogs can be let off leashes while we're out on the trails, but on days when we're at a popular park, dogs will be need to be kept on leashes.
CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTS
If a hike is called off due to inclement weather or some other problem, an e-mail will be sent out as early as possible letting everyone know and an update will be made to the site. Hikes are usually postponed to another weekend to avoid bad weather or any other setback.
PHOTOS
As you can be seen from the Photos section of the site, we have some great photographers in the group and taking pictures is a big part of our events. Everyone is welcome to upload their photos to the site.
POLLS
Polls are available, so feel free to post ideas.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me.
Take care,
Michael
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Hike @ Eagle Creek: West Side--Bear OverlookEagle Creek, West Side Trail Complex, Bear Overlook , Indianapolis, IN
By next weekend, the arctic blast should be easing up, so we'll start off 2025 with a hike at this local spot. We'll be meeting at Eagle Creek's West Side Trail Complex at the Bear Overlook trailhead, across the reservoir from the main section of the park where we usually hike.
The plan for the afternoon will be to hike a portion of the West Side Hiking trail, which is an out-and-back trail, and we'll be hiking about an hour north of where we'll begin from the Bear Overlook trailhead and then return to where we began. The terrain here is easy to moderate, with a staircase and some brief inclines.
Please note that in some areas the trails will be wet and potentially slick, so please be prepared for that.
Admission to the park is $6 at the gate using a credit card at the unmanned entrance.
We'll meet in the parking lot of the Bear Overlook at 8600 W. 56th Street at 3pm. A map of the park is located here, and more info about the west side section of the park can be found at the Eagle Creek website.
Car pool info: If anyone is interested in a car pool, please contact me and we can plan to meet at our regular location. Otherwise, I will meet everyone at the park at 3pm on Saturday.
For anyone interested in getting some dinner after the hike, we'll be going to Noodles & Co. at Trader's Point.
Length: Around 5 miles, around 2 hours
Hike category: Easy to moderateSee you on Saturday,
Michael
