Central Indiana Wilderness Club upcoming events

CIWC Pennsy Trail Ride and Lunch - June 27, 2026 (June 27, 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Ride 42 miles round trip between Irvington and Greenfield along the Pennsy Trail, a former railroad bed paved trail
Difficulty Level: Moderate

CIWC 2026 Annual Picnic, June 28, 2026 (June 28, 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

CIWC Annual Picnic

June 28, 2026, at Cool Creek Park, Shelter C

Open to the Public

2000 E 151^st St. Carmel IN, 46033

Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 pm

CIWC Annual Picinic

Come one, come all to our annual Central Indiana Wilderness club picnic!

It will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Cool Creek Park in Hamilton County from 11:00 am till 3:00 pm at Shelter C. The park is in Westfield, but the address is 2000 E. 151st St, Carmel, IN. Continue past the playground, the nature center and down the hill to find the shelters.

Cool Creek Park map

https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/DocumentCenter/View/694/Cool-Creek-Park-Map?bidId=

Itinerary for the day

11:00 am – John South will lead a bicycle ride leaving from shelter C.

11:00 am – Self-directed hike. There are 4 miles of marked wooded trails in the park. Maps will be available.

12:30 pm – Lunch will be served. CIWC will provide fried chicken and water. Attendees are asked to bring their favorite dish, salad or dessert, as well as their own beverages.

2:00 pm – Amanda Smith, naturalist, will give a presentation on birding at the shelter, followed by a trip to the nature center for anyone who wants to see their bird viewing window and taxidermy birds.

Good to know

Bring your lawn chair, a favorite game, and your favorite memories and photos from any 2025 trips. Corn hole and other outdoor games may be available.

A table will be set up if you want to bring any gear to sell or give away.

Both CIWC members and non-member guests are invited!

Please register on the CIWC website so we know how many to plan for.

Any questions, contact ciwcinfo@gmail.com

CIWC Cycle the Nickel Plate Trail - Kokomo to Rochester, July 11-12, 2026 (July 11, 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Cycle the Nickel Plate Trail

Nickel Plate Trail, Kokomo to Rochester

July 11 - 12, 2026

Co-Trip Leaders: John South and TBD

Type of Trip: Biking/Lodging

Trip Cost/Deposit: $150/$75

Cancellation Date and full payment: June 10, 2026

Wilderness Level: 2

Trip Difficulty: Moderate, 45 miles total, longest day is 25 miles,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

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 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 Liability Release.

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.

CIWC Backpacking Red River Gorge, KY, July 14-16, 2026 (July 14, 2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

CIWC Backpacking Red River Gorge, KY

Red River Gorge Geological Area

July 14-16, 2026

Co-Trip Leaders: Harry Morris and A'ame Joslin

Type of Trip: Backpacking

Trip Cost: $135

Wilderness Level: 2

Trip Difficulty: Moderate terrain - 1000 ft elevation gain. Up to 10 miles per day; 20 miles total

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 and High School Youth

Red River Gorge Backpacking trip, we will travel together from Indianapolis in a 12-person van, drive the 4 plus hour drive to Red River Gorge area, food on the road and on the trail is each person’s responsibility.

Bear canisters are required in this area. The club has a couple of canisters.

When we arrive at Martins Fork Trail Head departing east this is a two-night trip, the trail is a 20 mile loop the 1^st day I plan on knocking out about 5 miles this area has many ups and downs sometimes 500ft to 1000 ft in elevation gain and loss. This area has lots of Natural Arche Bridges and the trail will take us past some of them. We will find a nice spot to camp and the next day hike about another 10 miles and spend the night. On the last day we will get back to the trailhead, returning to Indianapolis on July 16^th with a Town Stop at the Famous Miguels Pizza in Slade.

Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

All trip participants must fill out and submit a

CIWC Medical Form and Liability Release.

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.

CIWC Ride the Katy Trail Bike Trip, Missouri, August 1-8, 2026 (August 01, 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Katy Trail Bike Trip

Katy Trail, Missouri

August 1- 8, 2026

Co-Trip Leaders: John South and TBD

Type of Trip: Biking/Lodging

Trip Cost/Deposit: $800/$400

Cancellation Date and full payment: July 1, 2026

Wilderness Level: 2

Trip Difficulty: Moderate, 200 miles total, longest day is 39 miles,10-12 mph, moderate grades, mostly trails, paved or hard pack gravel

Group Size: 8/7 Maximum/Minimum

Adults. Youth with leader approval OK

The Katy Trail is an iconic trail reaching across most of Missouri following the Missouri River. It was added to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame in 2008. The trail meanders for 235 miles through small towns with rich history. It starts in Clinton, Mo and ends east of St Charles at Blackwalnut, Mo. There will be time to relax in the afternoon and evening to visit local sites. Several wineries are optional to visit.

We will utilize one or two vehicles to shuttle personal gear. The trip includes 3 nights of hotels/hostel and 3 nights tent camping. from hotel to hotel. Lunch on the trail and dinner in the evening will be at your expense. Meals while traveling are at your expense. Trip costs cover vehicle use, hotel expenses and breakfast if not provided by lodging. Note- This trip is possible using one vehicle, one leader and reserving 2 rooms each night for 5 people. Trip costs will be updated and reviewed by the attendees

Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

All trip participants must fill out and submit a

CIWC Medical Form and Liability Release.

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.

CIWC Easy Kayak Day on Somerset Lake - September 5, 2026 (September 05, 2026)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

CIWC Easy Kayak Day on Somerset Lake - September 5, 2026

September 5, 2026, at Somerset Lakes Apartment Office Parking Lot 3202 E 76th St, Indianapolis

Open to the Public

Time: 8:00 am Meeting | 8:30 am Departure | 11:00 am Return

Trip Host: Mary Higgins

There are 3 kayaks available for use with life jackets. If people have their own equipment please bring it.

CIWC requires all participants to wear a life jacket while on the water event.

Transportation Plan: (the number of people depends on who has equipment, only 3 kayaks available.) The resident kayaks are behind the clubhouse/office building. I will meet people in front of the building at 8 am. If people bring their own equipment, then we can accommodate as many as want to come. There is fishing in this 80-acre lake as well. The lake looks like a big @ on the map and has a bridge to paddle under to access both parts of the lake. The entrance to the complex is on River Road/79th St, NOT on Ruth drive!

Required Gear/Clothing: bring your own Kayak, paddle and life jacket. (only 3 public kayaks available) water, snack, and fishing equipment if desired.

CIWC requires all participants to wear a life jacket while on the water event.

Cell Service Availability: Full Service

Emergency Exit Plan: Call 911. If the weather is bad, the trip will be postponed to the following weekend.

Questions? Contact: ciwcinfo@gmail.com

CIWC Fall Car Camping Weekend, O'Bannon Woods SP, September 18-20, 2026 (September 18, 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

CIWC Fall Car Camping Weekend

O'Bannon Woods State Park

September 18-20, 2026

Co-Trip Leaders: Susie Payne and Jane Corbett

Type of Trip: Car Camping

Trip Cost: $50

Wilderness Level: 2

Trip Difficulty: Easy/Moderate terrain -

Policy on Fitness Self-Assessment

Group Size: 8/4 Maximum/Minimum

Cancellation Date: August 18, 2026

Adults, no pets

Come and explore beautiful southern Indiana at O’Bannon Woods State Park (formerly Wyandotte Woods). Join us for a casual, relaxed weekend of outdoor activities: hiking (8-10 miles on moderate trails), road biking if you want to bring your bike (25 miles, average 10-12 miles an hour), explore the pioneer village and nature center, and relax around the campfire in the evenings with s’mores and singing.

Bring your musical instrument and voice to join in!

Participants will provide their own meals, snacks and beverages and pay their own park entrance fee of $7.00. Five wooded camp sites have been reserved, allowing for two tents or one tent and one trailer. Sites are full electric with water and are in close in proximity for easy social gathering.

Members will provide their own transportation.

We will meet at campsite #189 on Friday evening after you arrive and set up. If members want to carpool, we can connect you with others interested in the same.

Questions may be submitted to ciwcinfo@gmail.com.

All trip participants must fill out and submit a

CIWC Medical Form and Liability Release.

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.

CIWC North Country Trail (NCT) Backpacking, Northern Lower Peninsula, Manistee, MI, September 20-25, 2026 (September 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

North Country Trail (NCT) Backpacking

North County Trail (NCT) Manistee River

September 20-25, 2026

Co-Trip Leaders: Dave Hoffmeyer and TBD

Type of Trip: Backpacking

Trip Cost: $55

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 100 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.

Meeting up after a 6-hour drive from Indianapolis, we will camp near Fife Lake at a State Forest Campground. Averaging 10 miles a day, the trail follows the river mostly on a high bluff with scenic views. Part of this route includes the High Banks Rollways. The Hike will end at the North end of the Manistee River Loop trail on Saturday September 25th.

3 nights of camping will be in State Forest Campgrounds, 1 in a private primitive campground and there will be 1 night of dispersed camping. Transportation is not provided, but we will try to arrange carpooling. 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 Liability Release.

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.

CIWC Bring the Kids (age 13+) to Brown County - October 25, 2026 (October 25, 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 17:30:00 GMT

CIWC Bring the Kids (age 13+) to

Brown County State Park - October 25, 2026

October 25, 2026, at Parking Lot by Ogle Lake

Ogle Lake Trail 7 Nashville, IN 47448

Open to the Public

Time: 1:30 PM Meeting | 2:00 PM Departure | 4:30 PM Return

Trip Host: Debrah Worland

All family members need to be registered in the total number of guests. Maximum of 4 guests per registered adult. Adults must be at least 18 years old, and all kids must be at least 13 years old. Adults are completely responsible for any guests (kids).

Get the kids outside to see the beautiful fall trees before the cold weather comes to stay. 1.5 hike around Ogle Lake on relatively flat trail (with a few sets of a stairs). Stop for snack and play at the playground before driving up to West Lookout Tower to take in the view.

Transportation Plan: Meet at location

Required Gear/Clothing: Water, snack, shoes and clothing appropriate to get dirty, wear weather appropriate clothes

Cell Service Availability: Spotty

Emergency Exit Plan: Call park ranger, will be near vehicles if weather turns

Questions? Contact: ciwcinfo@gmail.com

Central Indiana Wilderness Club upcoming events

CIWC Pennsy Trail Ride and Lunch - June 27, 2026 (June 27, 2026)

CIWC 2026 Annual Picnic, June 28, 2026 (June 28, 2026)

CIWC Annual Picnic

June 28, 2026, at Cool Creek Park, Shelter C

2000 E 151st St. Carmel IN, 46033

CIWC Cycle the Nickel Plate Trail - Kokomo to Rochester, July 11-12, 2026 (July 11, 2026)

CIWC Backpacking Red River Gorge, KY, July 14-16, 2026 (July 14, 2026)

CIWC Ride the Katy Trail Bike Trip, Missouri, August 1-8, 2026 (August 01, 2026)

CIWC Easy Kayak Day on Somerset Lake - September 5, 2026 (September 05, 2026)

CIWC Easy Kayak Day on Somerset Lake - September 5, 2026

September 5, 2026, at Somerset Lakes Apartment Office Parking Lot 3202 E 76th St, Indianapolis

There are 3 kayaks available for use with life jackets. If people have their own equipment please bring it.

CIWC Fall Car Camping Weekend, O'Bannon Woods SP, September 18-20, 2026 (September 18, 2026)

CIWC North Country Trail (NCT) Backpacking, Northern Lower Peninsula, Manistee, MI, September 20-25, 2026 (September 20, 2026)

CIWC Bring the Kids (age 13+) to Brown County - October 25, 2026 (October 25, 2026)

CIWC Bring the Kids (age 13+) to

Brown County State Park - October 25, 2026

October 25, 2026, at Parking Lot by Ogle Lake

Ogle Lake Trail 7 Nashville, IN 47448

Get the kids outside to see the beautiful fall trees before the cold weather comes to stay. 1.5 hike around Ogle Lake on relatively flat trail (with a few sets of a stairs). Stop for snack and play at the playground before driving up to West Lookout Tower to take in the view.

2000 E 151^st St. Carmel IN, 46033