WHY ATTEND?
Are you interested in hiking through the stunning natural beauty of the driftless region of southern Minnesota that was carved by advancing glaciers? Or maybe, you want to visit the Mystery Cave with its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. Or maybe you are looking to meet and learn from fellow friendly knowledgeable backpackers. Then this trip is for you!
PARK OVERVIEW (From DNR site)
Visit Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park to see natural wonders above and below ground. In the summer, beat the heat with a visit below ground. Explore the world of Mystery Cave with its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools. Park naturalists provide tours of the cave throughout the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. The temperature stays at a constant 48 degrees Fahrenheit. Above ground, stop by Historic Forestville, a restored 1800s village operated by the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS). Fish three blue-ribbon trout streams for brown trout. Take in the soft pastels of wildflowers in spring or listen to ruffed grouse drumming and wild turkeys gobbling. Hike or bring your horse to ride the ridge tops and stream valleys. Observe interesting geologic features along the way including sinkholes and dramatic Big Spring. In the fall, don't miss the bold colors of the forest. Winter invites visitors to ski or snowmobile the Bluff Country.
CAMPING
- We will car camp all weekend at the Group Camp - Group Area - Basic-A - Forestville Mystery cave state park
- Showers, flush and vault toilets are available in the campground
- Vehicles entering MN state parks need a MN State Parks Permit ($7 daily, $35 annual)
HIKE DIFFICULTY RATING: All levels welcome
THE HIKES
- Day hiking in and around the State Park Saturday and Sunday
- We will split up into slower and faster hiking groups, take your pick
- We will be hiking rain or shine. Come prepared for rain.
- There is an option to take a tour of the Mystery cave, which is optional. The price of the tour isn't included in the $15 you will be paying me.
SCHEDULE
Friday night:
- Meet at the Group Camp - Group Area - Basic-A. If you will be coming late, please text/email one of the organizers. We may have a small hike depending on what time hikers show up.
Saturday and Sunday:
- breakfast 8-9a
- hiking 9a+
CARPOOLING
I'll start a carpooling conversation in the meetup event chat a few weeks before the trip date.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
- hiking daypack
- comfortable and broken in trail runners or hiking boots (1 size larger than normal)
- waterproof tent or shelter
- sleeping bag (rated 20 degrees or colder)
- sleeping pad
- food
- water bottle
- A rain suit is highly recommended along the north shore this time of year.
- Watch the weather forecast and be prepared for cold temperatures.
We can share cook stoves if you don't have one.
If you need gear, REI and the University of MN rent quality backpacking equipment at reasonable rates.
COST:
Please pay me $15 when you arrive for your share of the camp site fee.
ATTENDEE RULES:
- No +1s, no pets, no minors (<18), and no illegal substances
- All attendees must be a registered member of this backpacking meetup group with a recognizable profile picture
- We hike at minimum in pairs with a designated sweeper pulling up the rear so we don't lose anyone
- If I can't get a response from you to repeated messages to your meetup account, I may cancel your RSVP
### By signing up for this event, you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being and release the Minneapolis/St Paul Backpacking Meetup group and Minnesota Hardy hikers meetup group, organizers, events organizers, and members from any (and all) personal injury and property damage liability. ####
