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• CIWC 2025 Free Day Hike (Updated) - Brown County State Park, Tulip Tree Shelter, April 26, 2025

  • When
    April 26, 2025
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • Location
    Brown County State Park, 1801 IN-46, Nashville, IN 47448
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  CIWC Day Hike - Tulip Tree Shelter

  April 26, 2025, at 9:00 am

  Brown County State Park, Nashville, IN, 47448

  
  

  
  

  Time: 9:00 AM  

  
  

  Event Coordinator: Sharon Williams and Leslie Green ciwcinfo@gmail.com

  
  

  Maximum: 12 people

  
  

  Participants will embark on approximately a 10-mile hike through the State Park, observing the wildflowers and benefiting from a cardiovascular workout across the varied terrain of hills and valleys. Please anticipate potentially muddy sections along the trail.

  Bring your own lunch, water, and snacks. A State Park Pass is acceptable or a daily entrance fee of $7 for in state vehicles and $9 for out of state vehicles.

  During any club-related excursion, including Meetup outings, participants are expected to sign the club waiver (release of liability) and provide emergency contact information. This information will be utilized to reach out to a designated individual on your behalf in case of an unforeseen emergency during the activity. 

  
  

  Please Register to help us anticipate turnout. If your plans change, please cancel your registration to allow someone else to attend. Thank you.

  
  

  Any questions, please contact Sharon or Leslie ciwcinfo@gmail.com

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• Beginner Backpacking Trip: Shades State Park, Waveland, IN, May 3-4, 2025

  • Start
    May 03, 2025
  • End
    May 04, 2025
  • Location
    Shades SP, 7751 S. 890 W. Waveland, IN 47989

  Register

  Beginners Backpacking Trip

  Shades State Park, Waveland, IN

  May 3-4, 2025

  
  

  Trip Leaders:  Phyllis Legan and Wendy Brinson
  

  Type of Trip: Backpacking/Hiking

  Contact:  ciwcinfo@gmail.com

  Cost: $40 (non Refundable) - Saturday Dinner and Sunday Breakfast provided; Use of club gear - Bring lunch and snacks for the trail

  Adults Only

  Maximum number: 8
  

  Difficulty: Beginner

  Rain Date: June 28-29, 2025

  Shades State Park has a 'backcountry camp site' that is perfect for a beginning overnight trip! 

  We will meet at the Hickory Parking Lot in Shades State Park. We will get acquainted and do some light hiking with maps, snacks and water bottles. We will then make our way back to the parking lot to prepare for our hike to the back-country. Equipment will be disbursed between all hikers.

  Backpacks will be checked for weight distribution and fit. Everything we will need for our overnight experience will be carried in our backpacks over a moderate 2.5 mile trail to our camping area.

  At the campsite we will work together to prepare our tent and kitchen sites while reviewing some things to check for when selecting your tent site. We will hike to the river and filter some water using a backpacking filter system. After we return to our campsites, we will prepare our backpacking meals, using a few different types of backpack stoves. Additional activities will include, backcountry food storage and hanging food bags and making a campfire. Then we will enjoy some camaraderie around our campfire. Topics of discussion will include Leave No Trace principles, general trail etiquette, and backcountry hygiene. We may share our hiking and backpacking experiences, bucket lists, and discuss our day's events.

  In the morning, we will heat up water for everyone to have their coffee, tea, oatmeal, etc. After breakfast we will break camp using leave no trace techniques and hike back to the parking lot. Anyone who would like to continue hiking may do so on their own.

  You can Google Shades State Park for a map of the trails and Park information. The Indiana State Park Entrance Fee is the responsibility of each participant. This is a per vehicle fee, dependent on your state of residence and is covered if you have a 2024 Indiana State Park pass when you enter. You may ask for a Park Map when you enter, but we will have a couple of additional maps available as well.

  Don’t have gear? That’s no problem as CIWC has tents and backpacks you can borrow. We share some club-provided group gear, such as stoves, fuel and water filters. Suggested gear list will be provided by your trip leaders.

  Saturday evening meal and Sunday morning breakfast will be provided. This food will be provided when we meet at the park as you will carry your own food plus share responsibility for carrying group equipment. Participants will bring their own lunch, snack and drink items.

  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. 
  

  Questions? Contact CIWCinfo@gmail.com

  
  

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• Red River Gorge Car Camping Trip, Red River Gorge Geological Area, Stanton, KY, May 9-11, 2025

  • Start
    May 09, 2025
  • End
    May 11, 2025
  • Location
    Red River Gorge Geological Area, 3451 Skybridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380

  Register

  Red River Gorge Car Camping Trip

  Red River Gorge Geological Area

  May 9-11, 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: Sharon Williams and TBD

  Type of Trip: Car Camping/Hiking

  Trip Cost/Deposit: $250/$125

  Cancellation Date and full payment: April 5, 2025

  Wilderness Level: 1 

  Trip Difficulty: Moderate,  - up to 11 miles per day

  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: 8/7 Maximum/Minimum

  Adults Only

  
  

  This 3-day trip to Red River Gorge is a car camping/hiking trip for those who would like more challenging hiking without backpacking.

  We will rent two vehicles and plan to meet up at a location TBD once we know all participants.  We plan to leave Indianapolis at about 9am on Friday, May 9, 2025, stopping for lunch along the way (cost on your own) and arrive at the Koomer Ridge campground that evening.

  Once we arrive on Friday, we will check into the campground and plan to do a short hike to Hidden Arch and if time allows a 2^nd hike to the Silvermine Arch Trail, all accessible from the campground. Dinner will be a prepared meal as a group.  Saturday, we plan to have breakfast as a group and then head out to hike the Koomer Ridge trail to Hanson’s Point where we will plan to have lunch and enjoy the view.  We will return with a slightly different trail exploring other rock formations back to the campground.  Afterwards, we plan to go to Miguel’s Pizza for dinner and this cost has been included in the cost of the trip. 

  Sunday morning, we plan to have breakfast, clean up and possibly do another short hike before heading home.  We should be able to arrive back in Indy by 5-6 pm.

  The trip fee includes transportation in vehicle rentals, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Showers are available at no cost at the campground. Lunches, trail snacks, meals on the route to/from home are at participant’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 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. 

  
  

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• Smoky Mountains Hiking, Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson, NC, May 13-16, 2025

  • Start
    May 13, 2025
  • End
    May 16, 2025
  • Location
    Great Smoky Mountains, 107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

  Register

  Smoky Mountains Hiking

  Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina Area

  May 13-16, 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: Cindy Durr and Phyllis Legan

  Type of Trip: Cabin/Hiking

  Trip Cost/Deposit: $205/$105

  Cancellation Date and full payment: April 1, 2025

  Wilderness Level: 3-4 

  Trip Difficulty: Rugged - up to 2500 ft elevation gain, 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.

  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

  
  

  Join us for day hiking on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, May 13-16, 2025.  We will be staying in a large rustic cabin in Bryson City, North Carolina.  You will need to be prepared to hike up to 12 miles per day with possible elevation gain of 2000 -2500 ft.   This area of the park is known for several beautiful waterfalls.  In addition to seeing an abundance of spring wildflowers, we will also be able to observe the large elk herd which calls that side of the mountain home.

  The cost of the trip provides lodging, firewood and miscellaneous expenses. Each person will be responsible for their own meals as well as snacks during the day. There is a full kitchen in the cabin to make meal prep easy.  We plan to eat out in the Bryson City area for at least two evening meals. Transportation to Bryson City will be your responsibility as well.

  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. 

  
  

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• Beginner Backpacking Trip: Tecumseh Trail to Fox Den, Morgan Monroe State Forest, May 31-June 1, 2025

  • Start
    May 31, 2025
  • End
    June 01, 2025
  • Location
    Beanblossom, IN

  Register

  Beginners Backpacking Trip

  Tecumseh Trail to Fox Den

  Morgan Monroe State Forest

  May 31- June 1, 2025 

  
  

  Trip Leaders:  Leslie Green, A'Ame Joslin and Jeanine Mikell
  

  Type of Trip: Backpacking; Hiking

  Contact:  ciwcinfo@gmail.com

  Cost: $40 (non Refundable) - Saturday Dinner and Sunday Breakfast; Use of club gear - Bring lunch and snacks for the trail

  Adults Only

  Maximum number: 12
  

  Difficulty: Beginner

  Rain Date: TBD

  
  

  The Tecumseh Trail is one of Indiana’s best long trails that begins at Morgan-Monroe State Forest Headquarters near Monroe Reservoir. We will complete about 5 miles of the trail in Brown County from East Lost Branch to Richards Road with an overnight stay at Fox Den, 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.

  After meeting in Beanblossom, we’ll divide into two groups and shuttle to each end of the section and then hike toward each other to meet at Fox Den for the overnight camping. At camp, we will set up shelters, filter water, cook dinner as a group with various stove types, and have a campfire for the evening. Various other topics such as protecting food from critters, back country hygiene, and leave no trace will be covered throughout the afternoon and evening.

  In the morning, we will cook our breakfast and break camp. Then each group will continue the trail in the same direction you were heading to end the hike at the other shuttle point. Therefore, you’ll hike about five miles of the trail from point to point.

  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 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. 
  

  Questions? Contact CIWCinfo@gmail.com

  
  

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• AuSable River Overnight Paddling/Camping, Grayling, MI, June 1-5, 2025

  • Start
    June 01, 2025
  • End
    June 05, 2025
  • Location
    101 Maple St, Grayling, MI 49738

  Register

  AuSable River Overnight Paddling/Camping

  Grayling, Michigan

  June 1-5, 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: Dave Hoffmeyer and John Carlson

  Type of Trip: Paddling/Camping

  Trip Cost/Deposit: $325/$160

  Cancellation Date and full payment: March 1, 2025

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

  Trip Difficulty: Moderate - only 1 portage over a dam, Class I river

  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: 12/8 Maximum/Minimum
  

  Adults Only

  
  

  Au Sable River Canoe trip June 1-5 2025

  This is one of the easier paddles for a multi overnight. We will be paddling the famed Au Sable National Scenic River. One time we did this trip we counted 11 Bald Eagles! We did this trip again last year 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 a Bed and Breakfast, and the next morning head to Borcher’s Canoe Livery, which we have used in the past. Departing from Borcher’s  we will 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 3rd day.

  *If you would like to bring your own canoe or kayak, Borcher’s can transport and we may be able to reduce your fee.

  You will need to provide your own meals. On the last day, after being shuttled back to Grayling by the outfitter, we will have plenty of time to head home on Thursday June 5th.

  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. 

  
  

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• Backpacking with Books, Tecumseh Trail, Yellowwood State Forest, June 14-15, 2025

  • Start
    June 14, 2025
  • End
    June 15, 2025
  • Location
    772 Yellowwood Lake Rd, Nashville, IN 47448

  Register

  Backpacking with Books

  Tecumseh Trail, Yellowwood State Forest 

  June 14-15, 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: A'ame Joslin and Elizabeth Pecora 

  Type of Trip: Backpacking/Books

  Trip Cost: $40 (non refundable)

  Wilderness Level: 2 - typical meetup day event in good weather setting with cell coverage         

  Trip Difficulty: Moderate, 4 mile maximum during weekend, 850 ft elevation

  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: 12/6 Maximum/Minimum

  Adults Only

  
  

  Do you have a book you’d like to read but can’t find the time to get away from your devices and responsibilities at home? Bring your book (or e-reader) into the woods where you can read with fewer distractions! We will hike a few miles on the Tecumseh Trail to spend the night under the stars reading our books. You will be responsible for your own meals (Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast) and snacks. This is a unique trip for all levels of hiking that combines two great hobbies: hiking and reading.

  We will backpack to our campsite approximately 2 miles and set up camp and have lunch. After lunch, we can take a hike back to the lake and read in rowboats, or a short hike before dinner. (bring a small daypack or fanny pack for water and snacks) to explore the forest. In the morning, we will prepare breakfast and break camp and backpack back to the parking lot. You are able to rent rowboats and kayaks Sunday morning.

  Don’t have gear? No worries, CIWC has gear you can borrow: Tents, backpacks and other club gear such as stoves and water filters. Suggested gear lists and other information will be provided by your trip leader. Please bring your own sleeping bags and sleeping pads.

  Leaders will provide trip details regarding meals, what to bring, and other information.

  All trip participants will have the ability to hike 4 miles in hilly terrain.

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

  Effective on all trips, there will be a $40 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 $40 cancellation fee. 

  
  

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• Paddle Tippecanoe River, Tippecanoe River State Park, Winamac, IN, June 20-22, 2025

  • Start
    June 20, 2025
  • End
    June 22, 2025
  • Location
    Tippecanoe State Park, 4200 N US Highway 35, Winamac, IN 46996

  Register

  Paddle Tippecanoe River Weekend

  Tippecanoe River State Park

  June 20-22, 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: John Carlson and Janice Windes

  Type of Trip: Paddle/Camping

  Trip Cost/Deposit: $110 Kayak

  Trip Cost:  Canoe $85 (2 per canoe required)

  Single Kayak - $110

  Personal Canoe or Kayak - $60

  Cancellation Date and full payment: May 20, 2025

  Wilderness Level: 3 - typical meetup day event in good weather setting with cell coverage, Class 1 River         

  Trip Difficulty: 24 Miles total, 12 miles each day

  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: 8/7 Maximum/Minimum

  Adults, High School over 16 with trip leader permission

  
  

  The plan is for an overnight paddle trip on the Tippecanoe River with camping at the Tippecanoe River State Park with camp sites reserved on the water.

  Arrive at Tippecanoe River State Park Friday evening. In the morning we will drive to Riverside Canoe, by 8:00 AM on Saturday June 20, the Livery will shuttle us 24 miles to the put in point upstream.

  Lunch will be on the water, please bring your own food to eat for both days.

  Dinners and breakfasts will be on your own. We will bring a Coleman stove for hot water. Please bring your “backpacking stoves”, cookware and food.  

  Riverside Rentals

  589 E Old State Rd 14

  Winamac, IN 46996

  574-946-3142

  The cost will be $85 per person if paddling in a rented tandem canoe (2 per canoe required), $110 paddling rented kayak. Personal boat (canoe/kayak) $60

  This is a beginner to intermediate level trip. There will be 2 days, 12 miles each day (approximately 6 hours of paddling each day). Be prepared for full day of paddling both days. Some paddle experience is required. PFD/Life jackets are required to wear on all CIWC sponsored trips.

  If no registrations are available, please email ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

  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. 

  
  

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• Backpack Manistee River Loop, Mesick, MI, June 25-27, 2025

  • Start
    June 25, 2025
  • End
    June 27, 2025
  • Location
    Manistee River, Mesick, MI 49688

  Register

  Backpack Manistee River Loop

  Manistee River Trail, Mesick, MI

  June 25-27, 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: Steve Kinch and A'ame Joslin

  Type of Trip: Backpacking

  Trip Cost/Deposit: $40/$40

  Cancellation Date and full payment: May 25, 2025

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

  Trip Difficulty: Moderate - up to 10 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: 8/7 Maximum/Minimum
  

  Adults Only

  
  

  Come join us on this 3-day backpack trip in the Manistee National Forest of Lower Michigan.  We will meet at the Red River Bridge area on Wednesday, June 25^th at 11am to start our adventure.  On the 1^st day we will hike 5-9 miles on the Manistee River Trail and camp near Eddington Creek on the North Country Trail.  The hike will wet our appetite for the next day’s hike. 

  The 2^nd day will be the jewel of the trip.  We will have stunning vistas of the river and the forested east shore. We will cross a wooden replica of the mighty Mackinaw Bridge and continue along the east side of Manistee River. We will cover 8-10 miles on the 2^nd day and camp along the river.

  Day 3 we will hike the NCT back to our cars.  We will cover 3-4 miles.

  Each participant will bring their own food for this trip.  This should include 2 dinners and 2 lunches, and 2 breakfasts.  Also, please bring trail snacks and after-dinner treats.  Hikers are responsible for their own transportation and for all meals in transit, as well as snacks and lunches on the trail.  The fee for the trip covers the use of club equipment and club administrative costs. 

  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. 

  
  

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• Beginner Backpacking Trip: Shades State Park, Waveland, IN, June 28-29, 2025

  • Start
    June 28, 2025
  • End
    June 29, 2025
  • Location
    Shades SP, 7751 S. 890 W. Waveland, IN 47989

  Register

  Beginners Backpacking Trip

  Shades State Park, Waveland, IN

  June 28-29,2025

  
  

  Trip Leaders:  Dave Sherman and Debbie Muse
  

  Type of Trip: Backpacking/Hiking

  Contact:  ciwcinfo@gmail.com

  Cost: $40 (non Refundable) - Saturday Dinner and Sunday Breakfast provided; Use of club gear - Bring lunch and snacks for the trail

  Adults Only 

  Maximum number: 8
  

  Difficulty: Beginner

  Rain Date: TBD

  Shades State Park has a 'backcountry camp site' that is perfect for a beginning overnight trip! 

  Trip Plan:

  We will meet in Shades State Park on Saturday morning, get acquainted and then do some light day hiking without backpacks (with a daypack or carrying a water bottle and snacks). We will work on a section of the 6-ravine challenge (which you will get a nice sticker for upon completion).

  After our hike, we will have lunch and get organized for our backcountry experience. Backpacks will be checked, and meals and any group supplies and loaner gear will be distributed to the participants. Everything we will need for overnight will be carried over the 3.0-mile trail to the backcountry site.

  After we reach the campsite, we will discuss tent site selection and set up camp. There should be time for relaxation or exploring the area before dinner. We will also discuss trail etiquette, leave no trace, water filtration, hanging food bags, and other backpacking related topics.

  After breakfast on Sunday morning, we will break camp and backpack back to the trailhead. We will drop our packs and complete the rest of the 6-ravine challenge.

  Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast will be provided by the leaders. Dinner and breakfast will be from a selection of backpacking meals along with coffee/hot chocolate/tea. You will learn how to use stoves and other items. Participants will need to bring their own lunch and snacks. There may also be a shared responsibility for carrying any group food and equipment. Please leave some extra room in your backpacks for a few items. Leaders will provide trip details regarding meals, what to bring, and other information.

  Don’t have gear? No worries, CIWC has gear you can borrow: Tents, backpacks and other club gear such as stoves and water filters. Suggested gear lists and other information will be provided by your trip leaders. Please bring your own sleeping bags and sleeping pads.

  All trip participants will have the ability to hike 6 total miles in hilly terrain with their backpacks, as well as some light day hiking without the pack. The trip will wrap up late morning to early afternoon on Sunday.

  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. 
  

  Questions? Contact CIWCinfo@gmail.com

  
  

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• Weminuche Wilderness Backpacking, Durango, CO, August 8-16, 2025

  • Start
    August 08, 2025
  • End
    August 16, 2025
  • Location
    Weminuche Wilderness, Durango, CO

  Register

  Weminuche Wilderness Backpacking

  Weminuche Wilderness, Durango, CO

  August 8-16, 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: Harry Morris and Jimmy Hodges

  Type of Trip: Food/Hiking

  Trip Cost/Deposit: $625/$315

  Cancellation Date and full payment: May 8, 2025

  Wilderness Level: 4

  Trip Difficulty: Rugged - up to 5000 ft elevation gain in a day

  Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment 

  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

  
  

  The Weminuche Loop is a classic 50 Mile horseshoe hike starting at Elk Park and ending at Needleton. This backpacking trip is near Silverton Colorado. This is a very rugged trail, and you should be able to hike 10 miles with elevation changes of 5000 feet up and down.

  We will travel by van and stop in Kansas to spend the night at a campground. The next day we will travel to Durango Colorado and stay at a campground to acclimatize to the elevation. Durango is about 6,000 feet. The next day we will board the Narrow Gauge Steam Train which will take us to Elk Park and drop us off in the Weimnuche Wilderness area to start the trip. The plan is for five days and four nights. After our hike, we will catch the train back to Durango before heading home in the van. We will stop on the way at a campground, then make it back to Indiana.

  The trip fee covers transportation in a rented van, camping fees, train fare and luggage fee for the train.

  Participants provide their own meals on the trail. You will need to have cash or credit card for meals on the road.

  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. 

  
  

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• Wisconsin Bike Trip, Elroy-Sparta Trail, WI, August 16-23, 2025

  • Start
    August 16, 2025
  • End
    August 23, 2025
  • Location
    113 White Kendall, Elroy, WI 54638

  Register

  Wisconsin Bike Trip

  Elroy-Spart, Trail, WI (for starters)

  August 16-23, 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: John South and TBD

  Type of Trip: Biking/Camping

  Trip Cost/Deposit: $950/$475

  Cancellation Date and full payment: July 1, 2025

  Wilderness Level: 2 

  Trip Difficulty: Moderate, 172 miles total, longest day is 39 miles,10-12 mph, moderate grades, mostly trails, paved or hard pack gravel

  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. Youth with leader approval OK

  
  

  Wisconsin has many bike trails throughout the state. I have selected 5 trails that are on the west side of the state. One trail in particular (Elroy to Sparta trail) is the first rail trail in the country. It’s noted for its woodland beauty and the three tunnels on the route. The Great River trail traverses the flat marshes along the Mississippi River. Birding is popular along this trail. The trails are mostly hard packed gravel. We will camp 6 nights and prepare breakfast and supper each day. The last night will be in a hotel with a visit to Taliesen (Frank Lloyd Wright’s home) the following day. Meals will be provided when we camp but meals are not provided while we are traveling by bike or car. You will be expected to share the hotel room with another person. The trip starts Saturday morning and returns the following Saturday.

  The longest day is 39 miles and the shortest 20 miles. Total mileage over the 6 days is 172 miles or 29 miles/day. Terrain will be fairly level. Bikes and riders need to be in good condition. Helmets and front and rear lights are required. SAG support will be available but not immediate. A rider may choose to have a rest day if they desire.

  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. 

  
  

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• Oregon Waterfalls Trip, Bend/Mt Hood, OR, August 23-30, 2025

  • Start
    August 23, 2025
  • End
    August 30, 2025
  • Location
    Hood River Ranger, 6780 Highway 35 Parkdale, OR 97041

  Register

  Oregon Waterfalls Trip

  Bend/Mt Hood, Oregon

  August 23-30, 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: Sharon Williams and Diane Osborn

  Type of Trip: Travel/House Rentals with Day Hiking

  Trip Cost/Deposit: $1115/$557 (airfare not included; participants are responsible to meet the group at the Portland, OR airport on Saturday at the agreed upon time *)

  Cancellation Date and full payment: July 1, 2025

  Wilderness Level: 1-3 - typical meetup day event in good weather setting with cell coverage         

  Trip Difficulty: Moderate - ave,. day could be 6-10 miles with 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.

  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

  
  

  This trip is one for day hikes and viewing waterfalls of Oregon - Oregon has plenty.  We will begin the trip on Saturday by heading to Bend, OR from the Portland, OR airport once everyone has arrived and the rental vehicles have been picked up.

  *All participants are responsible to independently travel to meet at Portland, OR airport by the agreed upon meetup time.

  We will spend the first part of the trip in Bend, OR for 3 nights and explore Smith Rock State Park, hike the Green Lakes Trail to Broken Top and explore some easy hikes to other local waterfalls like Tumalo Falls & Double Falls if time allows.

  We will depart Bend, OR and head to a town closer to Mt. Hood and the Columbia River to explore many other waterfalls in the area, including spending the day at Silver Falls State Park (10 mile loop of 10 waterfalls), hiking Multnomah Falls, other falls along the Columbia River, and Ramona Falls near Mt. Hood.  We will also take a trip up to the Timberline Lodge to explore a little and maybe hike some of the area, including Tamanawas Falls nearby.

  The trip cost includes 7 dinners and 7 breakfasts, housing and rented vehicles plus fuel for the trip.  Participants are responsible for snacks and lunches.  Lodging will require people to share beds at the homes rented (some have several king beds).  If this is not for you, feel free to bring a sleeping pad and we can be creative for sleeping arrangements.  Other details will follow once everyone has signed up for 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 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. 

  
  

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• North Country Trail (NCT) Backpacking, Northern Lower Peninsula, Manistee, MI, September 8-15, 2025

  • Start
    September 08, 2025
  • End
    September 15, 2025
  • Location
    North Country Trail, Manistee, Michigan

  Register

  North Country Trail (NCT) Backpacking

  North County Trail (NCT) Manistee River

  September 8-15 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: Dave Hoffmeyer and Debbie Muse

  Type of Trip: Backpacking

  Trip Cost/Deposit: $255/$130

  Cancellation Date and full payment: June 8, 2025

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

  Trip Difficulty: Moderate terrain - 500 ft elevation gain. Up to 12 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

  
  

  Join us for 5 days of hiking on the North Country National Scenic Trail along the scenic Manistee River in the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Participants will receive credit for 50 of the 100 Miles for the North Country Trail hike challenge.   The hike is 5 days long with daily mileage of between 9 to 12 miles.  There are some large hills to climb but much of the trail follows the river. 

  After renting vehicles we will drive 6 hours from Indianapolis, camping near Fife Lake at a State Forest Campground. On the trail, we will average 10 miles a day, following the river mostly on a high bluff with scenic views.   Part of this route is known as the High Banks Rollways.  The Hike will end at the North end of the Manistee River Loop trail on Saturday September 13^th. 

  Three nights of camping will be in State Forest Campgrounds, one in a private primitive campground and there will be one night of dispersed camping.   Transportation is included with 2 rental vehicles.  All meals are the responsibility of the participant, but we will have an ordering option to buy a large quantity of meals. 

  There will likely be cell phone coverage for much of the hike, but as a precaution your trip leaders will have emergency communication devices. 

  Temperatures at that time of year should be pleasant with highs in the 60-70’s and overnight lows in the 50’s.  Overnight backpacking experience is required with daily mileage of 10 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. 

  
  

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• Trail Gourmet on the Kettle Moraine Trail, Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit, WI, October 23-25, 2025

  • Start
    October 23, 2025
  • End
    October 25, 2025
  • Location
    Kettle Moraine State Park Northern Unit, N1765 County Road G, Campbellsport, WI 53010
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  Trail Gourmet on the Kettle Moraine Trail

  Kettle Moraine State Forest Northen Unit, WI

  October 23-25, 2025
  

  Co-Trip Leaders: Leslie Green and Sharon Williams

  Type of Trip: Food/Backpacking

  Trip Cost/Deposit: $360/$180 plus $52 for cook set

  Cancellation Date and full payment: July 23, 2025

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

  Trip Difficulty: Moderate - 7 miles per day with low to moderate elevation daily

  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

  
  

  The Kettle Moraine State Forest is in southeastern Wisconsin. The chief feature of the reserve is the Kettle Moraine, a highly glaciated area. The area contains very hilly terrain and glacial landforms, such as kettles, kames and eskers.  The Northern division is part of the Ice Age Trail – which winds through scenic areas of Wisconsin for 1000 miles. Our trip includes a three-day backpacking hike through 17 of those miles. In October, we should see some beautiful fall foliage and enjoy cool evenings perfect for sleeping.  For our three nights out, we will stay in open-sided shelters with benches for sleeping, so we will not need to carry a tent.  The terrain is easy to moderate to traverse, but hikers should be capable of carrying all their needed gear, plus shared group gear, for distances of 7+ miles per day.

  Besides hiking, the main activity of this trip is cooking gourmet meals at the campsite.  Because we have low mileage days, we will have plenty of time to bake breakfasts such as biscuits and gravy and Dutch-oven French toast or dinners such as campsite nachos and chili with cornbread.  Of course there will be yummy desserts as well.  Each hiker will have a backpacker kitchen to prepare their individual meals.  Those who participated in the Laurel Highlands trip in 2024 will already have most of what is needed, others will pay an additional $52 for their kitchen equipment.  Meals will feature a meat and a veggie option.  Other food requirements, such as gluten-free, cannot be accommodated for this trip. 

  The fee for the trip includes transportation in rented vehicles, shelter fees, three breakfasts, three dinners and miscellaneous supplies.  Lunches, snacks, and meals in transit are the 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 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. 

  
  

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