Upcoming events

    • March 30, 2024
    • 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis, IN
    Register

    CIWC FREE Outdoor Adventures Class

    March 30, 2024, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

    Open to the Public

    Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis

    The Central Indiana Wilderness Club will present a FREE Outdoor Adventures Class to help you get started with your backpacking, paddling, and biking adventures. This event is open to the public, on Saturday, March 30th from 9:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the Holliday Park Nature Center.

    Ever wanted to try backpacking and other outdoor adventures but didn't know how to get started? This class is perfect for both novice and experienced adventurers.

    Learn backpacking basics including choosing a backpack, packing your pack, preparedness and safety, and “Leave No Trace” principles and practices. Learn about trail gear like tents, sleeping bags, water filters, backpacking stoves and more. Talk to our experienced club members at our information stations and demonstration area about all our backpacking, hiking, biking, and paddling adventures.

    Opportunities to sign-up for our beginner backpacking trips will be available at the event.

    The CIWC has been offering affordable outdoor adventure trips since 1982. For over 20 years the club has presented its annual backpacking class, now expanded to include biking and paddling. Join us on adventure trips as close as southern Indiana, or as far away as you can imagine. The presenters are seasoned adventurers with experience in places such as the Appalachian Trail, Grand Canyon, and Canadian wilderness.

    The Central Indiana Wilderness Club is a not-for-profit volunteer-run club founded for the purpose of providing reasonably priced wilderness adventure trips for its members. Membership is open to anyone interested in experiencing the great outdoors.

    Don't miss this FREE class! Contact Leslie Green (ciwcinfo@gmail.com) with questions.


    • April 12, 2024
    • April 14, 2024
    • 14108 Indiana 101, Brookville, IN 47012
    Register

    Adena Trace Hiking Weekend

    Mounds State Recreation Area, IN

    April 12-14, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: Nancy Myers and Wendy Brinson

    Type of Trip: Hiking/Camping

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $100/$50

    Cancellation Date and full payment: March 12, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 2 

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate to Rugged - 3000 ft total elevation/1800 ft per day; up to 14 miles per day

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 3: Applies to backpacking trips in which we hike with 25-35 pound backpacks. In one day, we can hike up to 7 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 5 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged trails. For a Level 3 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 25-pound backpack.

    Group Size: 10/7 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    Adena Trace is a 28-mile loop trail around the southern half of Brookville Lake. Although often listed as a backpacking trail, camping is allowed only in the designated drive-in campground located on the east side of the lake.

    We will base camp at the Mounds State Recreation Area campground and stage vehicles so that we can hike the Adena Trace in 3-day hikes. This should be a good training weekend for future hiking and backpacking trips. The many ravines that we will cross will provide us with some good elevation changes for Indiana and you can test out your camping setup with the luxury of being able to bring extra equipment along in case you want or need to change things up. We will have electricity at the campsites. The use of modern restrooms will be determined by the spring weather and how early the water will be turned on for the season.

    To complete the 28-mile loop, we will have back-to-back day hikes of 14 and 10 miles. We will do a short 4-mile section on Friday afternoon. The Wolf Creek Trail on the west side of Brookville Lake does not cross any roads and there are no buildings, so it has a very remote feel. The Hoosiers Hikers Council gives 11 miles for Wolf Creek. The Brookville DNR brochure says 16.5. We estimate it is 14 miles – or you could say it is 11 miles, feels like 16 miles. For the entire loop, there will be stream crossings and probably some fallen trees that we need to hike over or around. At least in the spring, the briers and undergrowth should not be a problem and we may have a nice display of spring flowers.

    Camping reservations, firewood, and fuel/stove use are included in the trip price. We will do our own shuttling to stage vehicles for each day. Shuttle drivers will be reimbursed for the mileage. All meals, snacks, and park entrance fees are the participants’ responsibility.


    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form  and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 non refundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • April 21, 2024
    • April 24, 2024
    • 8533 State Highway 73, Townsend, TN 37882
    Register

    Great Smoky Mt. National Park

    Townsend, Tennessee

    April 21-24, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: Cindy Durr and Phyllis Legan

    Type of Trip: Hiking/Cabin

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $225/$115

    Cancellation Date and full payment: March 1, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 3-4 

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate to Rugged; 2000-3000 ft elevation gain; up to 10-14 miles per day

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 2: Primarily applies to trips in which we carry only day packs. In one day, we can hike up to 9 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 7 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged, less-maintained trails. For a Level 2 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a light day pack. If a backpacking trip has a Level 2 rating, it means the distances are 2-4 miles with little elevation gain/loss.

    Level 3: Applies to backpacking trips in which we hike with 25-35 pound backpacks. In one day, we can hike up to 7 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 5 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged trails. For a Level 3 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 25-pound backpack.

    Group Size: 8/7 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    Join us for day-hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, April 21-24, 2024.  We will be based at the Townsend KOA in deluxe cabins.  We will be hiking up to 10 miles per day with possible elevation gain of 2000 -2500 ft.  This will be prime time for the abundance of spring wildflowers.  We will also spend time driving the Cades Cove loop to observe the abundance of wildlife there.

    The trip price includes the cost for lodging for three nights. Each person will be responsible for their own meals as well as snacks during the day.  Transportation to Townsend will be your responsibility as well, with carpooling an option. We plan to eat out in the Townsend area for at least for one meal.

    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form  and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 non refundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • May 03, 2024
    • May 05, 2024
    • 4451 Akron Peninsula Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
    Register

    Cuyahoga Valley National Park and

    Flight 93 National Memorial

    Brecksville, Ohio and Stoystown, Pennsylvania

    May 3-5,

    Co-Trip Leaders: Barb Shanks and Elizabeth Pecora

    Type of Trip: Hiking/Cabin

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $385/$195

    Cancellation Date and full payment: April 3, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 2 

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate; Y miles daily max; no more than 14 total miles

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 2: Primarily applies to trips in which we carry only day packs. In one day, we can hike up to 9 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 7 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged, less-maintained trails. For a Level 2 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a light day pack. If a backpacking trip has a Level 2 rating, it means the distances are 2-4 miles with little elevation gain/loss.

    Group Size: 6/6 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    Let's visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Flight 93 National Memorial together! On May 3rd at noon, we will carpool from Indianapolis to Valley Overlook Campground, where we have rented 2 canvas tents (with single beds), accommodating 3 people each.

    On May 4th, we plan to hike approximately 7 miles, seeing a few of the park's highlights, including the beautiful Brandywine Falls.  Time permitting, we will fit in a short hike on the morning of May 5th, then travel to the Flight 93 National Memorial.

    Trip costs include transportation and lodging in the canvas cabins as well as trip incidentals. Participants must bring their own towels/toiletries but bedding and pillows are provided. Saturday dinner and Saturday and Sunday breakfasts will be supplied. Hikers are responsible for their meals enroute to and from our destinations, including Friday dinner, as well as trail lunches and snacks.

    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form  and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 non refundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • May 11, 2024
    • May 12, 2024
    • 4505 W US Highway 24, Logansport, IN 46947
    Register

    Panhandle Pathway Trail

    (Erie and Pennsylvania Rail Bike Trail) 

    Logansport to Winamac, Indiana

    May 11-12, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: John South and TBA

    Type of Trip: Biking and Camping

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $150/$75

    Cancellation Date and full payment: April 1, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 1

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate; 55 Miles total; 33 miles one day max; 10-12 mph; 

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 2: Primarily applies to trips in which we carry only day packs. In one day, we can hike up to 9 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 7 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged, less-maintained trails. For a Level 2 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a light day pack. If a backpacking trip has a Level 2 rating, it means the distances are 2-4 miles with little elevation gain/loss.

    Level 3: Applies to backpacking trips in which we hike with 25-35 pound backpacks. In one day, we can hike up to 7 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 5 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged trails. For a Level 3 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 25-pound backpack.

    Group Size: 8/6 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    Saturday morning, we will meet, load bikes and drive to our starting point near Logansport and ride to Winamac, IN. Saturday’s ride is all on paved rail trail for a distance of 22 miles. Saturday night will be tent camping at a local park.

    Sunday’s ride starts at Monterey, IN and ends at Wheatfield, IN. This ride will be a combination of rail trail on the Erie Trail for 10 miles and county roads for a distance of 33 miles.

    Saturday supper and Sunday breakfast will be provided. Plan to car camp Saturday night. Riders will be responsible for any meals while traveling either by car or bike. A stop at Fair Oaks dairy for ice cream on the return home is a distinct possibility.

    Note about e-bikes: Most bikes and our local cycling club allow the use of pedal assist e-bikes or Class 1. These bikes must be pedaled and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. Class 2 bikes have a throttle and may be ridden like a motorized scooter. Class 3 e-bikes are pedal assist with a tp assist of 28 mph. Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on trips, but not Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes. 

    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • May 24, 2024
    • June 02, 2024
    • 20 Bridge St, Hot Springs, NC 28743
    Register

    Appalachian Trail - Hot Springs

    Hot Springs, NC - Erwin, TN

    May 24 - June 2, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: Leslie Green and Barb Shanks

    Type of Trip: Backpacking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $470/$235

    Cancellation Date and full payment: February 24, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 4 

    Trip Difficulty: Rugged; up to 3000 ft elevation per day and up to 14 mile per day on mountain terrain 

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 4: Denotes backpacking trips on established but rugged, unmaintained trail with multi-day backpacks (30-40 pounds). The hiking can be steep and sustained with long daily distances (up to 9 miles) and significant elevation change (up to 4000 feet). You should be comfortable running/biking/hiking for several hours without many breaks.

    Level 5: Applies to backpacking trips on very rugged trails or off-trail with multi-day backpacks (35-45 pounds). Expect prolonged, rugged hiking with very strenuous, difficult sections. Terrain can be steep, loose, rocky and/or exposed. You must be able to exercise vigorously at home (extended runs, swims, bike rides, etc..) to join a hike with a Level 5 rating.

    Group Size: 8/7 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    Hot Springs, North Carolina is a friendly town on the Appalachian Trail. In fact, the trail runs through the main street of the town with plenty of places to eat, stay, and explore. We will use Hot Springs as a base for a 70 - 84 mile hike on the trail.  Hikers can expect a challenging hike with daily elevation gains of more than 2500 feet and daily distances of 6 to 14 miles per day.  Participants should have significant hiking experience and training to take on this challenge, but you will be rewarded with mountain views, wildflowers, perhaps including Mountain Laurel and/or Rhododendrons, and experiences at six unique trail shelters.  Hikers will complete 70 miles of the AT between Erwin, Tennessee and Hot Springs and then may opt for 14 additional miles as a “slack-pack” (hiking with only a day pack) or a day exploring the Hot Springs hiking community, which could include a visit at the local hot springs spa. In consideration of the safety and enjoyment of all participants, you must review the Policy for Physical Fitness before signing up for this trip. It will be more physically challenging than most CIWC trips.

    In the weeks before the trip, hikers will be required to participate in at least one two-day training hike consisting of 10-12 miles per day with full packs with the trip leaders. One day training hikes will also be required in addition to other training activities. 

    The cost for the trip includes a hostel stay in Hot Springs before and after the hike. Also included is shared transportation to and from Hot Springs and shuttles needed to reach the trail heads.  Participants are responsible for meals in transit and on the trail.  It will be necessary to carry 6 days of meals in your pack. 


    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 non refundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • June 15, 2024
    • June 21, 2024
    • 222 E Mitchell St, Petoskey, MI 49770
    Register

    North Country Trail: Petoskey to Mackinaw Bridge, MI 

    Trip 1 of 2 of the 2024 NCT 100-mile Challenge

    June 15-21, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: Joan Pea and Ben Strange

    Type of Trip: Backpacking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $405/$205

    Cancellation Date and full payment: March 15, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 3 

    Trip Difficulty: Trail has mild to moderate elevation gains and losses. Hiking will cover 54.4 miles total with max daily mileage of 14.5 miles. 

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 3: Applies to backpacking trips in which we hike with 25-35 pound backpacks. In one day, we can hike up to 7 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 5 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged trails. For a Level 3 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 25-pound backpack.

    Level 4: Denotes backpacking trips on established but rugged, unmaintained trail with multi-day backpacks (30-40 pounds). The hiking can be steep and sustained with long daily distances (up to 9 miles) and significant elevation change (up to 4000 feet). You should be comfortable running/biking/hiking for several hours without many breaks.

    Group Size: 8/7 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    This is Part One of a two-hike challenge.  Pairing of this trip with the Pictured Rocks trip will earn you the 2024 NCT 100-mile challenge patch.  We recommend you sign up for both trips.

    Beginning in the area known for the Petoskey stones, the Trail goes through Wilderness State Park, the forested sand dunes of Sturgeon Bay, Lake Michigan shoreline, and passes through pine plantations and wetlands. Our trip ends at the Bridge in Mackinaw City.

    Trip cost includes all overnight accommodation including hotel and wilderness camping, transportation to and from the Michigan location, shuttles, park fees and trip incidentals.  Participants are responsible for meals enroute and while on the trail


    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • June 22, 2024
    • June 23, 2024
    • 772 Yellowwood Lake Rd, Nashville, IN 47448
    Register

    Lighten Your Load Workshop and Campout

    Yellowwood State Forest, IN 

    June 22-23, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: Leslie Green and Elizabeth Pecora

    Type of Trip: Workshop with Campout and Day Hike

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $55/$55

    Cancellation Date and full payment: May 22, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 2 

    Trip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate; 5-10 mile day hike with less than 500 ft elevation gain

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 1: Applies to trips in which we carry only day packs and stay on maintained trails. Hiking distances range from 3-6 mile, and elevation gain can be as much as 2000 feet. You should be comfortable hiking 3-6 miles in a day with considerable gain/loss on good trails.

    Level 2: Primarily applies to trips in which we carry only day packs. In one day, we can hike up to 9 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 7 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged, less-maintained trails. For a Level 2 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a light day pack. If a backpacking trip has a Level 2 rating, it means the distances are 2-4 miles with little elevation gain/loss.

    Group Size: 12/8 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults and Youth 16+ with adult

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    Have you complained and labored with the weight of your backpack? Do you come home from a hike with a pack full of extra stuff you didn’t even use?  Are you new to backpacking and don’t know what to bring?  This hands-on training session will give you techniques, tricks, tools, and tips to reduce the weight you carry on the trail.  We will use some of the ideas of the ultralight hiking gurus without risking comfort or safety.  This trip could be good for beginning backpackers that haven’t yet invested in equipment and can use the information to select the best, lightest gear. The session includes:

    • Evaluating cooking systems for individuals and groups by cooking your dinner and breakfast at the campsite
    • Evaluating water treatment systems and the lightest weight options for various situations
    • Making a ditty bag of camp essentials at less than 8 ounces
    • Making a personal first aid kit
    • Determining your clothing system for various seasons
    • Evaluating your sleep system and shelter system – examining options
    • Creating a menu that provides tasty, substantive nutrition and energy without weighing you down.
    • Learning what things weigh zero in your pack.

    We’ll spend the morning and early afternoon on Saturday at the WPA Shelter at Yellowwood State Forest and then stay overnight at the campground. Sunday, we will take a 10-mile hike around the lake and on the Scarce of Fat trail – with or without your lightened packs. 

    The cost of the workshop and campout includes lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks; fuel for cooking and a ditty bag with toiletries & a first aid kit that you will assemble.  Camping and facility rental are also covered with your fees. You’ll also receive a resource guide that you can use after the trip.

    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • August 04, 2024
    • August 09, 2024
    • 101 Maple St, Grayling, MI 49738
    Register

    Paddling AuSable National Scenic River

    AuSable National Scenic River

    August 4-9, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: Dave Hoffmeyer and Linda Conti

    Type of Trip: Paddling/Camping

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $430/$215

    Cancellation Date and full payment: May 4, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 3  Some sections will be remote and EMS may be more than 2 hours away

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate, 6-10 miles, some elevation 

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 2: Primarily applies to trips in which we carry only day packs. In one day, we can hike up to 9 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 7 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged, less-maintained trails. For a Level 2 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a light day pack. If a backpacking trip has a Level 2 rating, it means the distances are 2-4 miles with little elevation gain/loss.

    Group Size: 10/6 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults and High School Youth (with parent)

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.


    This is one of the easier paddles for a multi overnight. We will be paddling the famed Au Sable National Scenic River. Last time we did this trip we counted 11 Bald Eagles! We have done this trip in the past and everyone loved it! If you have never done an overnight paddle trip this is a great one for you.

    After leaving Indianapolis, we will spend the first night at Borcher’s Bed and Breakfast and Canoe Livery, which we have used in the past. After a hearty Breakfast we will walk out into the front yard and get into our canoes for 4 days of paddling. Each day will consist of 6-8 hours of paddling and the only portage is over a dam on the last day.

    You will need to provide your own meals, but we do have the option to walk about 1.5 miles into town for dinner on the third night. After being shuttled back to Grayling by the outfitter, we will drive about 40 minutes to camp at Dave Hoffmeyer’s cabin before heading home on Friday August 9th.

    Some experience paddling is required as are always wearing personal flotation devices when on the river.

    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 non refundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • August 10, 2024
    • 8:30 AM
    • 16 S 10th St, Noblesville, IN 46060
    • 14
    Register

    CIWC 2024 Day Bike Ride


    Sweetser Switch and Cardinal Rail Trails


    August 10, 2024 


    Time: TBA  


    Carpool: TBA


    Event Coordinator: John South ciwcinfo@gmail.com

    We will meet in Noblesville Saturday morning and carpool to Converse Indiana. The ride starts on the Sweetser Switch Trail and continues on the Cardinal Greenway through Marion to Jonesboro, IN. We will return via the same route back to our vehicles for a total distance of 33 (s)miles. Lunch will be at your expense along the route. An ice cream stop is probable on the return to Noblesville.

    Sign up is required to plan carpooling. A bicycle in good working order and helmet are required. Shorter distances are possible. All costs associated with the trip are at the participant’s expense.

    On any club related trip, including Meetup outings, please be prepared to sign the club waiver (release of liability) and provide emergency contact information. The information would be used to make contact with someone, on your behalf, should an unexpected emergency arise while enjoying a club activity.


    Please Register to help us anticipate turnout.


    Any questions, please contact John Southciwcinfo@gmail.com

    • August 17, 2024
    • August 23, 2024
    • 40 E Niagara St Tonawanda, NY 14150
    Register

    Erie Canal Trail Bike Trip, New York

    North Tonawanda to Montezuma, New York

    August 17-23, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: John South and Joan Pea

    Type of Trip: Biking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $810/$405

    Cancellation Date and full payment: June 17, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 1

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate; 138 Miles total; 31-37 miles daily; 10-12 mph; nearly level canal trail 

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 2: Primarily applies to trips in which we carry only day packs. In one day, we can hike up to 9 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 7 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged, less-maintained trails. For a Level 2 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a light day pack. If a backpacking trip has a Level 2 rating, it means the distances are 2-4 miles with little elevation gain/loss.

    Level 3: Applies to backpacking trips in which we hike with 25-35 pound backpacks. In one day, we can hike up to 7 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 5 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged trails. For a Level 3 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 25-pound backpack.

    Group Size: 8/6 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    The Erie Canal Trail is part of the larger Empire State trail in New York. The trail follows the once active Erie Canal. We will start riding at North Tonawanda, NY (N. of Buffalo) and reach Montezuma, NY four days and 138 miles later. The trail is nearly level with a packed stone or paved surface. Daily mileage varies from 31 to 37 miles.

    The following description is on the Erie Canal website- “Travel what is often rated “the 100 Must See Miles” of the Erie Canal on this multi-day ride. Keeping a leisurely pace, you will have ample time to explore quintessential canal towns and villages that have been serving as ports for pleasure craft and commercial vessels since 1825. In addition to scenic cycling, explore the museums, shops, and local eateries that serve up a distinct Western New York flavor.”

    Trip Highlights

    • Witness Lockport’s famous Flight of Five historic locks and the equally impressive Locks 34-35. Built in 1918, they are still in use today
    • Explore the unique offerings of several canal villages and towns
    • Cycle through picturesque countryside, local farms and big open skies
    • Get an up-close look at the structures used to operate the canal, including locks, lift bridges, and guard gates
    • Visit Niagara Falls if we arrive early on Monday
    • Taughannock Falls State Park
    • Watkins Glen State Park
    • A winery visit and tasting.

    Lodging will be in a hotel or Inn each night. All meals will be at the participant’s expense. Breakfast is planned to be provided by the hotel.

    This trip will not involve wilderness travel or conditions. Cell phone coverage should be available at all times. Participants will need to condition their legs and butt before the trip. They should take several back-to-back rides of 30 miles or more to prepare for the trip.

    Note about e-bikes: Most bikes and our local cycling club allow the use of pedal assist e-bikes or Class 1. These bikes must be pedaled and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. Class 2 bikes have a throttle and may be ridden like a motorized scooter. Class 3 e-bikes are pedal assist with a tp assist of 28 mph. Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on trips, but not Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes. 

    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.


    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • September 05, 2024
    • September 08, 2024
    • 112 Garrett St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
    Register

    Trail Gourmet on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

    Ohiopyle, PA

    September 5-8, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: Leslie Green and Nanette Eshelman

    Type of Trip: Backpacking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $270/$135

    Cancellation Date and full payment: June 5, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 3 

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate to Rugged; up to 8 miles per day with 1000+ daily elevation gain 

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 3: Applies to backpacking trips in which we hike with 25-35 pound backpacks. In one day, we can hike up to 7 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 5 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged trails. For a Level 3 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 25-pound backpack.

    Level 4: Denotes backpacking trips on established but rugged, unmaintained trail with multi-day backpacks (30-40 pounds). The hiking can be steep and sustained with long daily distances (up to 9 miles) and significant elevation change (up to 4000 feet). You should be comfortable running/biking/hiking for several hours without many breaks.

    Group Size: 9/8 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    Many backpacking meals consist of boiling water to rehydrate a meal in a bag or bowl. But imagine that at the end of a hike, arriving at a camp site where you have a reserved Adirondack-type shelter with a fireplace, a convenient water source, and time for cooking a hot delicious meal.  This four-day trip be on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, located in the Allegany Mountains of Western Pennsylvania. This section of the trail will include some of the highlights of the trail, including Beam Rocks and Spruce Flats Bogs as we traverse 5-8 miles per day. We will also complete our trip with a post-hike meal at the townsite Ohiopyle, where you can see the falls of the Youghiogheny River and briefly explore the tourist shops in the area before we start home. You’ll need to be physically fit for this, so expect some practice hikes leading up to the trip.

    For the “gourmet” part of the trip, each hiker will receive an individual backcountry kitchen, complete with pans, tools, and food for three breakfasts and three dinners that you will learn to cook while at camp.  This may include breakfasts such as blueberry pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and hashbrown casserole. Dinners may include chicken (or meat substitute) pot pie, pizza, and trail tacos.   There will likely be some desserts as well – maybe camp baked cookies or something yummy like that.  There will be vegetarian options, but other dietary options will be limited.  You will need your own stove that uses a fuel canister and has adjustable heat. You may borrow one from the club if needed.

    The trip price includes backcountry camping permits for the shelters and a backcountry kitchen that includes a skillet, lidded pot, utensils, and all ingredients for the meals. Transportation to and from Laurel Highlands and shuttling to the trail head are also included.  Meals on the road, trail lunches and snacks are your responsibility. Some gourmet type lunches will be suggested, because you shouldn’t settle for peanut butter on a tortilla on this trip


    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • September 06, 2024
    • September 08, 2024
    • Indiana Dunes NP, 1100 North Mineral Springs Road Porter, IN 46304
    Register

    Indiana Dunes Camping and Hiking Weekend

    Indiana Dunes NP, Porter IN

    September 6-8, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: Dave Hoffmeyer and TBA

    Type of Trip: Camping/Hiking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $120

    Cancellation Date and full payment: August 6, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 2

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate, 6-10 miles, some elevation 

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 2: Primarily applies to trips in which we carry only day packs. In one day, we can hike up to 9 miles and 4500 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 7 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged, less-maintained trails. For a Level 2 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a light day pack. If a backpacking trip has a Level 2 rating, it means the distances are 2-4 miles with little elevation gain/loss.

    Group Size: 8/6 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    Join us for a nice weekend trip to Indiana Dunes National Park. We will be camping in the National Park at walk-in campsites away from RV’s and generators! The plan is to leave Indianapolis on Friday evening and drive to our campsite and set up camp. We will day hike all day on Saturday and until 2:00 PM on Sunday exploring the National Park as well as the State Park. The hikes will be of diverse types including some in sand and some off the shoreline on hard pan.


    Figure 10 miles on Saturday and 6 on Sunday.

    You will need to provide your own meals, but we will share club gear for preparation.

    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 non refundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • September 13, 2024
    • September 21, 2024
    • 629 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731
    Register

    Boundary Waters Canoe Area

    Superior National Forest, MN 

    September 13-21, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: John Carlson and Janice Windes

    Type of Trip: Canoeing/Camping

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $996/$500

    Cancellation Date and full payment: June 30, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 4 

    Trip Difficulty: Less than 50 miles paddling total; less than 10 miles paddling one day max; BWCA is always cool with waves; Estimated 20+ portages, longest less than a mile; terrain includes hills with rocks and roots

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 3: Applies to backpacking trips in which we hike with 25-35 pound backpacks. In one day, we can hike up to 7 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 5 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged trails. For a Level 3 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 25-pound backpack.

    Group Size: 6/6 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is over 1 million acres of wilderness where the glaciers left behind rugged cliffs, canyons, gentle hills, towering rock formations, rocky shores, sandy beaches and thousands of lakes and streams, interspersed with islands and surrounded by forest. This unique area is located in northeastern Minnesota along the Canadian border. Join the crew for a week-long early fall trip paddling and portaging lightweight Kevlar canoes through this amazing wilderness enjoying the water, beautiful scenery, wildlife, and ending our days with the milky way stretching out overhead like a blanket. This trip will be a combination of canoeing and portaging (hiking between bodies of water). This is a level 4 trip due the remoteness of the area and physical requirements to paddle a canoe and carry gear and canoes.

    Who Should Participate in this Trip:

    This trip will be suited for those new to the Boundary Waters or those with canoe tripping experience. The route is planned for a beginner friendly group. However, you should have some backcountry camping experience. At times we will be two days or more from a road access. You will need to be a good physical shape in order to carry weight over portages and be able camp in remote places over the better part of a week. See prerequisites below. If you want to experience wilderness travel at its best, you’ll want to go canoe camping in the Boundary Waters. If needed, Introduction to Canoe Camping can be your qualifying event.

    Prerequisites:

    • Introduction to Canoe Camping or similar experience (check with leaders)
    • Ability to Carry 40-45 lb. Packs and Canoes Over Portages.
    • A pre-trip meeting may be necessary to go over gear needs, packing requirements and trip logistics in general.

    The two day ride up will allow for a relaxed drive, overnighting at a Wisconsin hotel providing an opportunity to organize personal and crew gear saving time at the outfitters in Ely. We’ll also may have time to stop in Duluth and have more time in Ely before bunking down the night to get a good night’s rest before hitting the water. After we come off the water we’ll get showers at the outfitters, eat lunch in Ely and start the two-day drive back home.

    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • September 14, 2024
    • September 20, 2024
    • 1505 Sand Point Rd, Munising 49862
    Register

    North Country Trail: Pictured Rocks National Park, MI 

    Trip 2 of 2 of the 2024 NCT 100-mile Challenge

    September 14-20, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: Joan Pea and TBA

    Type of Trip: Backpacking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $405/$205

    Cancellation Date and full payment: June 14, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 3 

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate terrain; 45.8 miles total with max daily mileage of 11.5 miles 

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 3: Applies to backpacking trips in which we hike with 25-35 pound backpacks. In one day, we can hike up to 7 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain on maintained trails, or up to 5 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain on more rugged trails. For a Level 3 trip you should be comfortable hiking 6-8 miles in a day in hilly or mountainous terrain with a 25-pound backpack.

    Group Size: 8/7 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    This is Part TWO of a two-hike challenge.  Pairing of this trip with the Mackinaw trip will earn you the 2024 NCT 100-mile challenge patch.  We recommend you sign up for both trips.

    Pictured Rocks National Park. Beautiful scenery and spectacular views in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this trail section is considered one of the best on the North Country Trail. You’ll see waterfalls, rivers, sand dunes, dense boreal forests, plunging cliffs into Lake Superior, white sand beaches, and one-of-a-kind geological features. 

    Trip cost includes all backcountry permits and camping, transportation to trail on the Upper Peninsula, shuttles to the trail head, and trip incidentals.  Meals enroute and on the trail are participant’s responsibility.  


    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • September 27, 2024
    • September 29, 2024
    • 5040 State Road 67 N, Martinsville, IN 46151
    Register

    Singing, Hiking, and Cemeteries 

    Bradford Woods, Martinsville, IN

    September 27-29, 2024

    Co-Trip Leaders: Susie Payne and Jill Whelan

    Type of Trip: Hiking, Singing

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $180/$90

    Cancellation Date and full payment: August 27, 2024

    Wilderness Level: 2 

    Trip Difficulty: Easy

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 1: Applies to trips in which we carry only day packs and stay on maintained trails. Hiking distances range from 3-6 mile, and elevation gain can be as much as 2000 feet. You should be comfortable hiking 3-6 miles in a day with considerable gain/loss on good trails.

    Group Size: 12/8 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults Only

    ***Before registering***

    While considering your participation in CIWC trips, be aware that some trips will involve shared transportation, lodging, and other activities. Each participant is encouraged to evaluate your comfort level with such arrangements based on your health condition, vaccination status, and unknown COVID positivity rates at the time of the trip.  Members are encouraged to review the COVID waiver as a part of this evaluation.

    For all of you who love to hike AND enjoy group singing, this just might be the weekend for you.  We will start the weekend by meeting at Bradford Woods, IU’s 2,500 acre Outdoor Center, located between Indianapolis and Bloomington, on a Friday evening and end on Sunday afternoon.  Our accommodation will be a heated lodge for two nights, with kitchen and shower facilities and a great room with a fireplace.  Rooms are shared with one or two twin/bunk beds for which you supply linens.

     If you play a musical instrument, you are invited to bring it along.  We will sing and jam together as much as we like.  We will also be hiking, either on Bradford Woods property or Morgan Monroe State Forest, which is nearby.  If you are not a hearty hiker, you can stay relaxing in the cabin and have hot chocolate ready when the hikers return.  We will explore as many cemeteries as we have time for and will definitely visit the graves of the Bradford Brothers, Perry, John, and Albert who are buried nearby.

    The trip fee includes lodging accommodation for two nights, dinner on Friday and Saturday, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and trip incidentals.  Transportation as well as lunches and snacks for the trail are participant’s responsibility.

    Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.


    All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.  

    Effective on all trips, there will be a $50 nonrefundable registration fee. This fee will be assessed to those who sign up for a trip, get on the roster and then later cancel. Even cancelling before the cancel date. Those who never make the active roster (i.e. those who stay on the waitlist) will NOT be charged the $50 cancellation fee. 


    • September 28, 2024
    • 8:30 AM
    • 5322 W Hazelrigg Rd, Thorntown, In 46071
    • 24
    Register

    CIWC 2024 Day Bike Ride


    Big 4 Rail Trail and Thorntown Festival of Falling Leaves


    September 28, 2024 


    Time: TBA  


    Carpool: TBA


    Event Coordinator: John South ciwcinfo@gmail.com

    This is a one-day ride to enjoy fall weather on a nice rail trail and the Falling Leaves Festival in Thorntown, IN. We will meet in Lebanon and ride the Big 4 Rail Trail to

    Colfax, IN – a distance of 15 miles. On the return we will stop in Thorntown to enjoy the festival and get some fair food for lunch. This is an out and back route. A good functioning bicycle and helmets are required. Registration is required to help plan the trip. All costs related to the trip are at the participant’s expense.

    On any club related trip, including Meetup outings, please be prepared to sign the club waiver (release of liability) and provide emergency contact information. The information would be used to make contact with someone, on your behalf, should an unexpected emergency arise while enjoying a club activity.


    Please Register to help us anticipate turnout.


    Any questions, please contact John Southciwcinfo@gmail.com

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