Hike Skokie Valley Trail! 8.5, 5, & 3mile option.

Meeting Spot
5601 N Kostner Ave, Chicago IL, 60646
41°58'58.2"N 87°44'17.9"W
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ohM1XK8fZsyUP2Sw5

Optional Lunch Afterwards
Une Annee Hubbard's Cave Brewery & Kitchen
6343 W Gross Point Rd, Niles, IL 60714
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ugjrgZVS2oopLjJMA
Separate Checks ok. Everyone orders with a QR code on the table.

Parking
Park on the side streets. It's free and it's non-permit parking in the neighborhood.

Bathrooms
There is no bathroom at the trail head. So use one before you arrive. First bathroom won't be until 0.5 miles into the hike in Sauganash Park:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wzqGK3gePnjzvPu1A
Next bathroom is half through the hike at Emily Oaks Nature Center:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/opfXGzLFLZGJC8qb8

Hike Description
This is an out and back hike. I will announce where the turn around is for the 3 mile and 5 mile options. We will hike at a 2.5-3 mile per hour pace. We will depart at 10:15 with whoever has arrived. The entirety of the path is paved asphalt and completely flat. The only incline is bridges going over main streets. This is a mix of urban, suburban, and forest. I would classify this is as a beginner hike, but an intermediate hike if you choose to do the full length.

If you need to bail
If for whatever reason, someone needs bail during the middle of the hike, Uber & Lyft and the CTA are available in the area. These can be used to get back to where we parked.