What we’re about
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” - Unknown
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost
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Do you love Hiking and Adventures?
Welcome to the Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Meetup Group. We strive for adventures, fun, and friendships. This group is for people who enjoy hiking, being outdoors and meeting new people. We feature hikes for all skill levels, canoeing, camping, biking, social gatherings and other outdoor activities. These events are a great way to get out, meet people, and smell some fresh air. If you have a suggestion, please feel free to contact the Organizer or post them on “ideas for meetup” on the calendar page. Most of the activities are pretty tame, but any participation in this group is at your own risk. If you want to meet fun and adventurous people, this group is for you. Come join us. It will be an adventure you won’t soon forget.
Adventures are closer than you think!
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Get Involved:
We need Assistant Organizers and Event Hosts! If you don't see your preferred activity listed or a hike on your side of town, please volunteer by contacting the Organizer! You might be surprised just how many people are looking to do the same activity that you are. Other ways to volunteer would be a Greeter (Greet new members as they join the group.) or Monthly News Letter Editor (Write articles for a Monthly News Letter to be published on the message board.). We welcome Event & Group Sponsors who need some publicity for a great price!
Why not become a Hike Leader?
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Monthly Photo Contest:
We are having a Monthly Photo Contest. You have 1 month to upload your favorite photo. At the end of the month, the Assist Organizers will pick the top 12. We will then have a poll for voting on these 12. The members will be able to rate each picture from 1 to 10 rating. The photo with the highest ratings at the end of this month will win. This photo will then be used as the open page picture for following month. The only thing you receive are bragging rights.
Upload January Photos Here: http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoHOS/photos/799681/
Please name the photo and leave a comment about the photo.
So why not amaze the rest of the members with you photography skills?
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100 Miles Club and 200 Miles Club:
Are you looking for a Goal to reach? We have two clubs for you. You join the 100 Miles Club when you reach 100 Miles hiking a year with this group only (Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Meetup Group). You join the 200 Miles Club when you reach 200 Miles hiking a year with any Meetup Groups (Windy City Hikers, this group, etc.). Your Meetup Names will be posted in the About Section in this group.
Let’s start counting those miles!
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Dues and Fees:
There are no membership dues to be part of this group. For prepay events, we will sometimes add up to three dollars, normally 1 to 2, to the payment to help out with the Meetup.com monthly fees.
For other events, example hikes, we suggest a 1 or 2 dollar donation at the start of the event. This is totally voluntary. No records will be kept for who donates and who doesn’t.
If you want to make a voluntary donation. Go to the top of this page and click on "Pay Online". Enter the amount you would like to donate. Donate any amount you like. This will be paid with Paypal.
We would personally prefer if people would donate their time as an Assistant Organizer or Hike Leader versus making a donation of money. Any help is very much appreciated.
Thank you!
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Other Recommended Outdoors Meetup Groups: If events are full on this group, why not see what these groups are up to.
The NW Burbs Camping Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/NWBurbs-Camping/
Southwest Suburbs Sports, Outdoors, & Social Meetup Group
http://www.meetup.com/SWBurbsSOS/
Chicago Camping & Outdoors Adventure Group
http://www.meetup.com/ChicagoCampers/
Please support Outdoors Meetup Groups!
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See you on the trail!
Kevin
PS: Tell a Friend about us!
Come find us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=app_2373072738&gi...
Upcoming events
21
Halloween Hike, 5.3 miles @ Cuba Marsh, optional haunted cemetery fun and games!
511 N Lake Zurich Rd, Barrington, IL, USOptional Post Hike lunch:
Kelsey roadhouse
352 Kelsey road Lake Barrington
https://www.krhrestaurant.com
Dog friendly. Meet on heated patio around 1:30. separate checks ok per HannahMeeting Location Update 10/23:
We are now meeting at Citizens Park
511 N Lake Zurich Rd, BarringtonGoogle map pin:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1p9kZTC2u59iSFC7A?g_st=ipcYou can only get to Lake Zurich Road from Cuba road due to construction. No access to Lake Zurich Road from NW highway.
Turn on Lake Zurich Road from Cuba road until you can go no further. Then turn left to get to Citizens Park. We're meeting next to the playground.
This year the RSVP is double what it was in 2024 and 2023.Hike Summary:
The hike is 5.3 miles total and is a there and back style trail.The trail has very wide crushed limestone the entire way and is very easy and flat. It will traverse through forest, tall pines, open prairie and features a narrow about 4-5 foot boardwalk across the marsh.
From the parking lot follow the trail head into the sparsely populated wooded area. Then we will pass a small grove of tall pine trees.
After a bit there will be a large wooded boardwalk. The length of the boardwalk is probably less than 1/4 mile. After the boardwalk more open grasslands, and lightly wooded areas. There's a small pond where we saw a few swans and Mallard ducks. This is the endpoint and then we'll head back.
This hike is cross posted in Chicagoland Trailblazers Hiking Group https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/310143635 and my guest rsvp includes members of that group.
About Cuba Marsh https://www.lcfpd.org/cuba-marsh
Post Hike option haunted cemetery visit and games:
Allow extra time (about 45 minutes) if you choose to do the cemetery visit and games event.
Meet at White Cemetery 2 miles down Cuba road located down the road
Right on Crown road.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2T7dvDxfrL2MAF2L9?g_st=ipchttps://patch.com/illinois/romeoville/want-see-spectral-car-visit-white-cemetery-cuba-road
For those who dare, I will lead a short excursion thru a cemetery 2 miles away. Its super small and has tombstones dating back to 1800s. Surprising that they are still accepting new burials! This cemetery has a reputation of being haunted. I did not experience anything paranormal but definitely felt more energy at the other older end of the cemetery.
Lets play a short fun cemetery game!
We can then share Ghost stories and other paranormal experiences.
I admit to having had many paranormal experiences the first dating back to 2017 when I stayed in a 'haunted hotel'. I remember laughing it off on Facebook when I found out I was staying in a "haunted hotel".
I'll share my true paranormal recent experiences with you in the cemetery if you wish to join post hike. You can share yours as well as we gather around grave sites dating back to the 1800s.113 attendees
Walk and Talk 1 mile (option for longer) @ Kickapoo Woods.
Kickapoo Woods, 14498 S. Halsted, Riverdale, IL, USThis Meetup is with the Forest Preserves of Cook County. You will meet FPCC staff or volunteers onsite.
Walk & Talk Hikes are for the curious mind who want to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas. These hikes will be led at a slower pace with frequent stopping and interpretation.
This is a 1 mile walk on a paved looped trail.
More info at: https://fpdcc.com/event/walk-talk-11/
This program is brought to you by the South Zone Team. Please email southzoneprogram@cookcountyil.gov with questions.
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The Forest Preserves of Cook County is committed to providing equal, integrated participation for individuals with disabilities. To obtain information about accommodations or request an accommodation please contact the hosting nature center or 708-771-1573 or experience.nature@cookcountyil.gov. Please give us 72 hours notice in advance of the program to process the request.
For additional information about accessibility visit our website: https://fpdcc.com/about/accessibility/9 attendees
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