Matthiessen State Park Hike, 8 miles

Matthiessen State Park

Hike 7 to 8 miles, depending on interest; terrain, etc.

This hike is not suggested for those who are not used to hiking at least 6 miles at a fast pace. Please make sure that you are able to hike 6 miles if you sign up.

Let's meet at 9AM in the Vermilion River Area parking located off of Route 178. After turning in off of Route 178 take the first left and look for us in the first parking area. Here is a link to the map:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/search.html?q=matthiessen&contentType=everything

Meetup Location:
https://goo.gl/maps/uq1WJLhtz9w1DESK8

Possible hike route map - shown in red (counter clockwise direction):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=18fYkq5NJUpzUKBIKycGWSviRMi5VMYNc

Additionally, this is hunting season and the current site map is indicating that my normal route (the back way into Matthiessen) is in the middle of designated hunting area. I will be assessing this and changes might be made to the parking location, accordingly. Edit: Dove hunting starts at 12pm, we should be past the "model airplane" and sunflower fields by then.

HIKING WILL START PROMPTLY AT 9:05AM!

FOR THE HIKE please bring -

A good attitude

Decent walking shoes or hiking boots...WATERPROOF SHOES-NOT A BAD IDEA

Dress in comfortable layers and according to weather forecast

Drinking water and snacks...PLENTY OF WATER