Upcoming events

    • June 10, 2023
    • June 17, 2023
    • Bland, VA
    Registration is closed

    Appalachian Trail for First Timers Backpacking

    Appalachian Trail, VA

    June 10-17, 2023

    Co-Trip Leaders: Leslie Green and Barb Shanks

    Type of Trip: Backpacking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $500/$250

    Cancellation Date and full payment: March 10, 2023

    Wilderness Level: 3/4

    Trip Difficulty: Rugged – 2000 ft of elevation gain and 2000 ft of elevation loss per day.  Up to 12 miles per day

    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.

    If you have ever wanted to hike a section of the iconic Appalachian Trail, but found it daunting to plan such an endeavor, this is your chance to get on the trail with two experienced AT hikers eager to share their enthusiasm for the trail with you. This six-day, 50+-mile hike in southern Virginia will give you a taste of everything the trail has to offer. In addition, we will take a day trip to the Grayson Highlands State Park in search of the wild ponies and spend a night in Damascus, VA – Trail Town USA. The trip is designed to give you quintessential AT experiences including:

    • conquering challenging mountain terrain
    • staying at two backcountry shelters and two hiker’s hostels;
    • camping beside a tumbling mountain stream;
    • scenic views reached via the “green tunnel;”
    • flora and fauna of the summer season (maybe bears???);
    • fording a stream – possibly knee deep;
    • using AT navigation apps and resources so you learn how to anticipate what awaits you on the trail;
    • interacting with some of the thru hikers that started their hike in Georgia; and
    • comradery with your CIWC trail family as we take on the challenge of the AT together.

    We will start the hike near Bland, VA, and hike southbound for 5 days for between 6 and 12** miles per day to reach Atkins, VA. We expect an overnight stay at the Quarter Way Hostel will be a highlight of the hike, as will our climb up to the Chestnut Knob Shelter – a former USFS warden’s cabin with a fire tower. We may even experience some trail magic – treats provided by generous locals who support hikers. Once we arrive at the end of our section hike, we’ll spend a day and night at the Grayson Highlands and explore their beauty. Then we will visit Damascus, where we’ll stay overnight at Lady Di’s hostel and enjoy her sumptuous breakfast before we start for home.

    The trip price includes shared transportation, hotel accommodations at the beginning of the trip, two hostel stays with breakfasts included, camping at Grayson Highlands, shuttles, five trail breakfasts and three trail dinners. All other meals in route and dinners at the hostels will be additional. Hikers are also responsible to bring trail lunches and snacks for each day.  You will be expected to meet the fitness requirements for the trip and to participate in training hikes, including at least one overnight backpacking trip to test your trail readiness. 

    *This trip is designed for strong hikers who are first-timers on the AT, but other novice AT hikers that want to build their skills and experience can also register. 

    ** The final hiking day extends to 13+ miles, with the option of stopping at 11 miles if needed.

    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 10, 2023
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis, IN
    Register

    Volunteer Day at Holliday Park

    Volunteer Day

    June 10, 2023 at Holiday Park

    6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis

    ·          

    Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM noon

    Event Coordinator: John Carlson       ciwcinfo@gmail.com

    Each year we “pay back” Holliday Park for allowing us free use of their facilities for our socials, workshops, classes and other events. Your volunteer hours are needed to help us meet our goals with our partnership agreement.

    Dress in work clothes as we will be out on the grounds most likely doing light yard clean up or landscaping work. Gloves and tools will be furnished. After we conclude we always head over to Broadripple and catch some lunch at some fun place. This gives everyone a chance to talk up recent outings and upcoming plans. It’s even likely that brand new trip ideas will be hatched.

    You may need to sign a waiver onsite to volunteer at the event. Thank you! 


    Please RSVP to help us anticipate turnout. 

     



    • June 12, 2023
    • June 16, 2023
    • 6262 Gilmour Rd, Morrow, OH 45152
    Registration is closed

    Ohio Bike Route 1

    Cincinnati - Columbus, OH

    Miami Valley Bike Trails, OH

    June 12-16, 2023

    Co-Trip Leaders: John South and TBD

    Type of Trip: Biking/Camping

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $330/$165

    Cancellation Date and full payment: May 1, 2023

    Wilderness Level: 2 

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate; 12 mph, 158 total miles, 38 miles one day max; Rail to Trails, wider tires

    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; High School Youth OK with leader approval

    ***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.

    Enjoy 5 days of bicycling on the Ohio to Erie Trail across the State of Ohio. We will begin the trip in Cincinnati and end at Columbus, Ohio. The route extends to Lake Erie but we can complete that on a second trip. The initial part of the trip follows the Little Miami River and the second follows a rail trail. 98% of the miles will be ridden on paved bike paths. We will camp along the route.

    Ft Ancient is on the route on the second day; Explore North America’s largest ancient hilltop enclosure earthwork. We will devote the third day by riding to the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base- a fantastic aero exhibit.

    Experience a trail-side primitive camping site at London, Ohio and riding into a major metropolitan area on our final day. Camping gear, clothes and food will be transported by car to each night’s stop. Four breakfasts and four dinners will be provided along all transportation and camping reservations. Transportation that is provided will be by private vehicle. Lunch and meals while traveling to Cincinnati and back from Columbus are on your own.

    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 24, 2023
    • 10:00 AM
    • Summit Lake State Park, 5993 N. Messick Road New Castle, IN 47362
    • 47
    Register

    Day Event - First Annual CIWC

    TRYathlon: Bike - Hike - Paddle!!!

    Summit Lake State Park

    5993 N Messick Rd, New Castle, IN

    Open to the Public

    Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 10:00 AM

    Trip Leader:  Dave Hoffmeyer and Bob Klecka

    Type of Trip: Hiking/Biking/Paddling

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $25 Non-Refundable Registration is now limited to a $15 Non t--shirt option (plus entry into the park)  

    Wilderness Level: 1 - typical meetup day event in good weather setting with cell coverage.         

    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: 80 Maximum

    All ages are welcome. Anyone under 18 years of age MUST be accompanied by a legal guardian. 

    Description: 

    UPDATE:  Although we are past the registration deadline, you can still late register.   Late registration is $15 which does not include a shirt.

    We may have a few extra Shirts available for $12.  If you are interested in a shirt please email CIWCsocial@gmail.com  and we can check the availability. The cost of the shirts will be $12 and you will need to pay cash upon Registration at Summit Lake State Park.

    Have you ever wanted to try Hiking? Paddling? Biking?

    This is your chance to “TRY” all three activities with a great group of people. This is a day event at Summit Lake State Park on Saturday June 24. 

    • Hike the 3 miles trail route.

    • Bike* the 9.6 miles road course.

    • Paddle* the 3 miles kayak trail.

    * Bikes, kayaks/canoes will be available to borrow

    All courses are marked, easy, and short. Club members will be available to discuss all activities and equipment. If you are new to any of the events, this is a great way to TRY them out. Information on future club events will be available. 

    Included are marked trails. Hydration will be available at each event location. Kayaks and Canoes are included in the cost. If you can bring your own kayak or canoe, you can bring those (with required state stickers). Bring your own bike. Some bikes will be available for use, but quantity is limited. 

    Special event T shirts are included in the cost! Select the T shirt size when signing up.  It is past the registration deadline to order a t-shirt, but you can still sign up. 

    After registration leaders will communicate additional details

    Additional information:

    FAQs:

    Overall Details: Shorter course option for each event. Not required to complete all event. T-shirts are included in the registration fee. Water/sport drinks will be available throughout the courses. 

    Biking: Helmet required. Registrants will receive follow up emails asking who needs to borrow a helmet, a bike and who is willing to share helmet and/or bike while you are completing the other events. 

    Paddling: DNR Annual Lake Permit required for kayaks/canoes. Permit is available to purchase for $5 at the park entrance. Life jacket required. Follow up emails will ask if you need to borrow equipment or are willing to share. 

    Questionsciwcinfo@gmail.com


    • June 24, 2023
    • 1:00 PM
    • 5993 N Messick Rd, New Castle, IN
    Register


    CIWC Annual Summer Picnic

    June 24, 2023, at Summit Lake State Park


    5993 N Messick Rd, New Castle, IN

    ·          

    Time:  1:00 PM 

    Event Coordinator: Dave Hoffmeyer  ciwcinfo@gmail.com


    The Annual CIWC Summer Picnic will be held after the Tryathalon Saturday June 24th at  1:00 PM.  You can attend the picnic only if you would like. The Picnic is open to members and non-members that take part in the Tryathalon.


    The annual summer picnic is a great time for members to assemble and share tales of their adventures. It's also when we start brainstorming for future trips. The club furnishes meat and paper goods. Members bring a salad, side dish or dessert.


    And of course, we will share this year’s adventures and look to the future for the next years wish list.  Also, we will have and bring your own lawn games like Cornhole.


    Plan to eat at 1:30 pm.


    Please bring a dish as follows. If your last name begins with:

    • A thru K bring a dessert
    • L thru P bring a side dish
    • Q thru Z bring a salad


    Please register! That will help us determine the amount of chicken to purchase to avoid waste.


    Please RSVP to help us anticipate turnout. 



    • July 08, 2023
    • July 09, 2023
    • Chain O Lakes State Park, 2355 E. 75 S. Albion, IN 46701
    Register

    Introduction to Canoe Camping

    Chain O' Lakes State Park

    2355 E. 75 S. Albion, IN

    July 8-9, 2023

    Co-Trip Leaders: John Carlson and Bob Hart

    Type of Trip: Canoeing/Camping

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $70

    Cancellation Date and full payment: June 10, 2023

    Wilderness Level: 2 

    Trip Difficulty: Easy, very little wind, waves up to 1 foot; some camping experience required.

    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: 10/07 Maximum/Minimum

    Adults and High School (with leader approval)

    This activity is designed for those who wish to learn about and prepare themselves for extended canoe camping trips out of state. This can be a qualifier for an extended canoe camping trip. Canoe camping is one of the best ways to experience the wilderness area as it gives you a lot of flexibility. For this introductory event we have picked a slightly remote setting on the water but our campsite will definitely be away from our cars. Safety will be stressed. Participants must be able to enter and exit a canoe by crawling over packs and be prepared to swim if the canoe would swamp.

    You will learn basic canoe strokes and safety considerations plus how to lift carry and portage a canoe. We will demonstrate rescue scenarios in case of an open water swamp. You will have plenty of time to practice what you have learned. Our canoe camp will cover setting up of tents and tarps as well as how to safely secure food away from animals. You will also learn that canoe campers eat very well – leaders will plan both dinner and breakfast meals. Participants will be responsible for their own lunches and snacks. More information including what gear to bring will be provided in advance of the trip. We will meet at the Chain O Lakes State Park Saturday morning.

    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. 




    • July 10, 2023
    • July 15, 2023
    • Sylvania Wilderness, Watersmeet, MI
    Register

    Sylvania Wilderness Paddle Trip

    Sylvania Wilderness, Watersmeet, Upper Peninsula, MI

    July 10-15, 2023

    Co-Trip Leaders: Elden Hartman and Linda Conti

    Type of Trip: Paddling/Hiking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $470/$235

    Cancellation Date and full payment: May 10, 2023

    Wilderness Level: 2 - EMS available in 1-2 hours 

    Trip Difficulty: Easy, 6-8 mile maximum during weekend, little elevation

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 1: For example, 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: For examle, 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; High School Youth OK with leader approval

    ***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.

    Sylvania Wilderness is a protected wilderness area in the Ottawa National Forest near Watersmeet, Upper Peninsula Michigan, encompassing 18,000 acres, 34 named lakes, and 25 miles of hiking trails. It is often called the “Boundary Waters Lite” because it is less remote, smaller, and easier to portage between lakes. The portages are generally easy and level trails, and ¼ mile or less in distance. Visitors can camp in 50 designated campsites within the Sylvania Wilderness, most of which are reservable six months in advance. Visitors enjoy endless canoeing, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. The old-growth forests and pristine lakes in the region provide habitat for a wide range of animal and plant life, including rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey.

    We will drive up to Sylvania Wilderness near Watersmeet, Michigan (approximate 9-hour drive), leaving Indianapolis southside at approximately 7:00 a.m. Monday morning, July 10, 2022. We will camp our first night in the Clark Lake campground. We will drive up through Chicagoland and could stop on the way in Lafayette or another location to pick up trip members who do not want to drive to Indianapolis early Monday morning. On Tuesday morning, we will get our canoes and equipment from Sylvania Outfitters, and paddle approximately one hour to our reserved backcountry campsite on Clark Lake, Crooked Lake, or Loon Lake, where we will spend the next four nights, before leaving for home on Saturday morning. During our days in the wilderness, we will take paddling excursions, hikes in the woods, and enjoy fishing, swimming, and leisure time.

    All your food and snacks, and cooking and camping gear (other than your tents, sleeping bags and pads) will be provided during your time in the wilderness. Meals on the way up and back will be at your own expense. You will be limited in the amount and weight of gear you take due to space in the vehicle and the fact we may have to portage to our campsite. Your personal gear and clothing should be limited to 20 lbs. or less.


    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. 


    • July 15, 2023
    • July 16, 2023
    • Nickel Plate Trail, Kokomo, Indiana
    Register

    Bike Nickel Plate Trail

    Kokomo - Rochester, IN

    Nickel Plate Bike Trail

    July 15-16, 2023

    Co-Trip Leaders: John South and TBD

    Type of Trip: Biking/Camping

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $200/$100

    Cancellation Date and full payment: June 15, 2023

    Wilderness Level: 2 

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate; 12 mph, 45 total miles, 25 miles one day max; Rail to Trails, wider tires

    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; High School Youth OK with leader approval

    ***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 a two-day trip to ride the Nickel Plate Trail from Kokomo to Rochester, a total length of 45 miles on paved trail. On Saturday we will start riding in Kokomo and finish in Peru. After a shower and dinner, we will attend the Peru Amateur Circus. We will stay at a local hotel – 2 persons per room. Sunday we will ride from Peru to Rochester- 25 miles.

    I’m sure we will find some ice cream before the trip is over. Clothes and personal items will be transported each day. The trip include travel to and from a starting point on the north side of Indianapolis, circus tickets and hotel cost. Food will be at each person’s expense.

    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 19, 2023
    • August 20, 2023
    • Tecumseh Trail, Morgan Monroe State Forest, Martinsville, 46151 IN
    Register

    Beginners Backpacking Trip

    Tecumseh Trail to Fox Den

    August 19-20, 2023


    Trip Leaders:  Leslie Green and Elizabeth Pecora

    Type of Trip: Backpacking; Hiking

    Contact:  ciwcinfo@gmail.com

    Cost: $30 (non Refundable) - Saturday Dinner and Sunday Breakfast; Use of club gear - Bring lunch and snacks for the trail

    Adults Only

    Maximum number: 8

    Difficulty: Beginner

    Rain Date: TBD

    ***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.

    Description: Built by the HHC in 1998-2002, the Tecumseh Trail begins at Morgan-Monroe State Forest Headquarters, five miles south of Martinsville. It ends in a remote area of Brown County forest near Monroe Reservoir, just south of S.R. 46 near Crooked Creek. We will complete about 3 miles of the trail from Carmel Ridge Road to Fox Den Shelter, an Appalachian type hiker’s shelter on the trail. The hilly terrain (not too hilly) will give you a good feel for Southern Indiana hiking.

    Meetup information will be emailed in advance of the trip along with a gear list. We will shuttle to the trail head and hike approximately 1 ½ miles to the Fox Den. Along the way we will filter water and practice navigation on the trail.

    At camp, we will set up shelters, cook dinner as a group with various stove types. Those who prefer can sleep in the shelter (if it’s unoccupied). Additional activities will include using different water filter systems, hanging food bags and making a campfire. There will be time to explore the area before we pile around our campfire to discuss our day's events.

    In the morning we will cook our breakfast, break camp and hike back to our vehicles.

    Don’t have gear? CIWC has tents and backpacks you can borrow, and we share some club-provided group gear, such as stoves and water filters.

    Dinner and breakfast are provided. Participants should bring their trail lunch and snacks.

    All trip participants will be expected to submit a medical form, sign a waiver and complete emergency information documents prior to participation.

    All trip participants must fill out and submit a

    CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form. 

    After registration leaders will communicate additional details. 

    Questions? Contact CIWCinfo@gmail.com


    • September 16, 2023
    • September 23, 2023
    • 33303 Headquarters Rd, Silver City, MI 49953
    Register

    Backpacking Porcupine Wilderness Mts

    North Country Trail, Michigan

    September 16-23, 2023

    Co-Trip Leaders: Dave Hoffmeyer and Joan Pea

    Type of Trip: Backpacking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $575/$275

    Cancellation Date and full payment: June 15, 2023

    Wilderness Level: 3 - typical meetup day event in good weather setting with cell coverage         

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate/Rugged – 3500 ft total elevation gain with 1200 ft on one day. Up to 12 miles per day hiked

    Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

    Level 4: 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: 8/6 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 5 days of hiking on new reroute of The North Country National Scenic Trail through the Porcupine Mountains in The Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Participants will receive credit for 50.5 of the 100 Miles for the North Country Trail hike 100 challenge.  


    The hike is 5 days long with daily mileage of between 8 to 12 miles.  There are some large hills to climb but much of the trail follows River.  There will be several water crossings that will need to be forded. The new reroute follows the most beautiful parts of the park with numerous waterfalls and goes along the escarpment with a breathtaking view of Lake of the Clouds and Lake Superior.  We will begin at Black River Harbor after camping there the first night and the hike will east to M-64 the dividing line between the Porcupine Mountains and the Trapp Hills.

    Three nights of camping will be in state parks, one will be in a national forest campground. Included in the fee is a one night in a motel (2 per room) so we can clean up before the ride home.   Transportation is included with 2 private vehicles.  All meals are the responsibility of the participant, but we may have a meal making workshop prior to the trip.  There will not be cell phone coverage for much of the hike, but your trip leaders will have emergency communication devices.  Overnight backpacking experience is required with ability to complete daily mileage of 10 miles or more.

    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 26, 2023
    • September 28, 2023
    • Hocking Hill SP, Logan, OH
    Register

    Mid-Week Hocking Hills State Park

    Logan, Ohio

    September 26-28, 2023

    Co-Trip Leaders: Jill Whelan and Bob Klecka

    Type of Trip: Hiking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $50/$50

    Cancellation Date and full payment: August 26, 2023

    Wilderness Level: 2/3 - 

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate

    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: 10/7 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.

    Hocking Hills State Park is a beautiful place to hike, with many amazing rock formations and waterfalls. On this trip we will hike in the main part of the park (Old Man’s Cave and Cedar Falls area) and travel to near-by sites such as Rock House, Cantwell Cliffs, and Conkles Hollow Nature Preserve. The trails range from easy to rugged, and there are ravines and rocks to climb over on many of the trails. Expect to hike up to 10 miles on one day so that we can see as many sights as possible. As a bonus, the moon will be waxing towards full, so night hiking may be an option!

    We will camp in the primitive hike-in campground on the east side of the park. This means that we must carry all our camping gear in to the sites (about 0.5 mile, on a gravel path) and leave our cars in the parking lot.  Also, we will need to carry in water from the parking lot, where there is a potable water spigot.  Toilets in the campground are pit toilets, but campers may drive over to the main campground to use the showers.

    Camping reservations and groups supplies are included in the trip price. All meals are participants’ responsibility. The group will arrange carpooling to the location.

    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. 


    • November 03, 2023
    • November 05, 2023
    • Fork Ridge Rd, Jamestown, TN 38556
    Register

    Big South Fork

    Hiking and Stay at Charit Creek Lodge

    Fort Ridge Rd, Jamestown, TN

    November 3-5, 2023

    Co-Trip Leaders: Leslie Green and Cindy Durr

    Type of Trip: Backpacking

    Trip Cost/Deposit: $365/$180

    Cancellation Date and full payment: July 27, 2023

    Wilderness Level: 3 - typical meetup day event in good weather setting with cell coverage         

    Trip Difficulty: Moderate – up to 10 miles per daily with challenging terrain and moderate elevation gain

    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: 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.

    Charit Creek Lodge is a rustic and historic wilderness lodge location the heart of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Staying overnight here will be the main highlight of this trip. 

    To reach Charit Creek lodge, not accessible by vehicle, we will hike 10+ miles on the Middle Creek-Slave Falls Trail that features outstanding rock formations that make this area so spectacular. While at the Lodge, our overnight stay will be in a shared bunk room cabin with wood heat. Restrooms and showers are nearby. Dinner at the lodge will be welcomed at the end of our hike. Breakfast will also be served at the lodge before we take a short hike back to the parking area at the Twin Arches.  Before leaving the area, we will also hike up to the Angel Falls Overlook to view the South Fork of the Cumberland River far below. 

    Hikers should be capable of hiking 10+ miles in moderate to rugged terrain with a backpack that includes bedding, clothing, water, lunch/snacks, and emergency gear (approximately 20 lbs). We will also camp at Bandy Creek Campground on Friday night. A tent or shelter will be required for the campground and temperatures in the 30s could be possible. 

    The cost of the trip includes one overnight stay with dinner and breakfast at the lodge, camping fees at Bandy Creek, and shared transportation. Participants are responsible for meals in transit, breakfast at camp, 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. 


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software