Central Indiana Wilderness Club upcoming events

CIWC Day Hike the Fairfield and Templeton Creek Trails at Mounds State Recreation Area on Brookville Lake - April 24, 2026 (April 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:30:00 GMT

CIWC Day Hike the Fairfield and Templeton Creek Trails at Mounds State Recreation Area on Brookville Lake -

April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026, at Meet at Templeton Creek Trailhead/Shelter house Parking near the entrance to the Mounds SRA at Brookville Lake Templeton Creek Trailhead, Templeton Creek Rd, Brookville, Indiana; GPS 39.49591, -84.95761

Open to the Public

Time: 3:30 pm Meeting | 3:45 pm Departure | 6:00 pm Return

Trip Leader: Nancy Myers

We will carpool to the Fairfield Trailhead on the east side of the Fairfield Causeway and hike south to the Templeton Trailhead, about 4 miles. This is hike 1 of 3 consecutive hikes at Brookville Lake. You may participate in 1,2, or all 3 hikes. If you complete all 3 hikes, you will have completed the Adena Trace Trail.

Transportation Plan: This is a one-way hike that requires voluntary shuttling. Details will be worked out at the designated meeting location.

Required Gear/Clothing: These trails are rated moderate by the DNR. They may be slick, muddy, rooty, and may have fallen trees over the trail. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. There will be creek crossings, including one that requires stepping on concrete pilings. Bring at least 1 liter of water and be prepared for falling evening temperatures and possible rain.

Cell Service Availability: Spotty

Emergency Exit Plan: Call 911 for serious accidents. Return to vehicles as needed.

Questions? Contact: ciwcinfo@gmail.com

CIWC Day Hike the Wolf Creek Trail at Mounds State Recreation Area on Brookville Lake - April 25, 2026 (April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

CIWC Day Hike the Wolf Creek Trail at Mounds State Recreation Area on Brookville Lake - April 25, 2026

April 25, 2026, at Meet at the Brookville Dam Spillway Parking. Brookville Dam Spillway/Tailwater Parking, Brookville, Indiana. GPS 39.43690, -85.00192

Open to the Public

Time: 8:30 am Meeting | 8:40 am Departure | 6:00 pm Return

Trip Leader: Nancy Myers

We will carpool to the gravel parking area on the west side of the Fairfield Causeway and hike the Wolf Creek Trail south to the Dam Spillway Parking. The Hoosiers Hikers Council gives 11 miles for Wolf Creek. The Brookville Lake DNR property map says 16.5 miles. I estimate the trail to be 14 miles. This is hike 2 of 3 consecutive hikes at Brookville Lake. You may participate in 1, 2, or all 3 hikes. If you complete all 3 hikes, you will have completed the Adena Trace Trail.

Transportation Plan: This is a one-way hike that requires voluntary shuttling. Details will be worked out at the designated meeting location.

Required Gear/Clothing: This trail is rated rugged by the DNR. It may be slick, muddy, rooty, and may have fallen trees over the trail. There will be multiple creek crossings. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Bring 3 liters of water and be prepared for falling temperatures and possible rain. Each hiker should carry a whistle and the Ten Essentials, including their own emergency first aid kit and any personal meds required for a 24-hour period. Although we are hiking along the reservoir, it is generally inaccessible from the trail. Creek water can be filtered, but it may be very silty or muddy. Bring a lunch, multiple snacks for a full day of hiking, and electrolytes. An extra pair of socks in a sealed bag is recommended.

Cell Service Availability: Spotty

Emergency Exit Plan: There are NO ROAD CROSSINGS on this trail. It is important that each hiker is prepared for unexpected bad weather and/or delays as there are no buildings or shelters along this trail. Assistance or evacuation by an emergency team will not be immediate. There is a side trail at about the midway point that can be used for emergency evacuation. It is over 2 miles on Midway Trail to a parking area. We will NOT have a vehicle there, but the Midway trail is an option for emergencies near the middle of our hike.

Questions? Contact: ciwcinfo@gmail.com

CIWC Day Hike four trails at Mounds State Recreation Area on Brookville Lake - April 26, 2026 (April 26, 2026)

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

CIWC Day Hike four trails at Mounds State Recreation Area on Brookville Lake - April 26, 2026

April 26, 2026, at Meet at Templeton Creek Trailhead/Shelter house Parking near the entrance to the Mounds SRA at Brookville Lake. Templeton Creek Trailhead, Templeton Creek Rd, Brookville, Indiana; GPS 39.49591, -84.95761

Open to the Public

Time: 9:00 am Meeting | 9:15 am Departure | 4:00 pm Return

Trip Leader: Nancy Myers

This is a one-way hike of 4 trails. We will car pool to the small Bonwell Trailhead parking. If not enough spaces, we will park at the Brookville Overlook Recreation Area Parking. We will hike north about 11 miles to the Templeton Trailhead. We will be hiking the Bonwell, Eagle, Woodland, and Garr Hill trails. This is hike 3 of 3 consecutive hikes at Brookville Lake. You may participate in 1, 2, or all 3 hikes. If you complete all 3 hikes, you will have completed the Adena Trace Trail.

Transportation Plan: This is a one way hike that requires voluntary shuttling. Details will be worked out at the designated meeting location.

Required Gear/Clothing: These trails are rated moderate by the DNR. They may be slick, muddy, rooty, and may have fallen trees over the trail. There will be multiple creek crossings. Wear sturdy hiking footwear. Bring 3 liters of water and be prepared for falling temperatures and possible rain. Each hiker should carry a whistle and the Ten Essentials, including their own emergency first aid kit and personal meds. Bring a lunch, multiple snacks for a full day of hiking, and electrolytes. An extra pair of socks in a sealed bag is recommended.

Cell Service Availability: Spotty

Emergency Exit Plan: Call 911 for serious accidents or emergencies. We will have several road crossings and parking areas on this hike. Our longest trail section will be the 5 mile Woodland trail between the south end of the Scenic bike trail and the Garr Hill Boat Ramp parking area. We will NOT have a vehicle at either of those locations. It is important that each hiker is prepared for unexpected bad weather as we may be 5 miles from one of our vehicles.

Questions? Contact: ciwcinfo@gmail.com

Beginner Backpacking Trip: Shades State Park, Waveland, IN, May 1-3, 2026 (May 01, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Beginners Backpacking Trip

Shades State Park, Waveland, IN

May 1-3, 2026

Trip Leaders: John South and Steve Kinch

Type of Trip: Beginner Backpacking/Hiking

Contact: ciwcinfo@gmail.com

Cost: $40 (non Refundable) -

What is Provided:

1. Saturday Breakfast and Dinner and Sunday Breakfast.
2. The use of club gear.
3. A camp site reservation.
Not provided-Friday supper, Saturday or Sunday 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 Friday evening at 6:30. Distribute the club gear and food and backpack 3.0 miles to our campsite. After Saturday breakfast we will explore the park trails. Lunch is on your own on the trail. Saturday evening meal will be provided along with Sunday breakfast. After breakfast we will break camp and hike back to our vehicles.

Per club policy, participants will help carry club gear, cook, cleanup, gather water and other assorted camp duties.

Topics of discussion will include tent site selection and camp set up, trail etiquette, leave no trace, water filtration, hanging food bags, and other backpacking related topics.

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 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 Liability Release.

Questions? Contact CIWCinfo@gmail.com

CIWC Basic Wilderness First Aid (BWFA) and CPR Classes - May 2, 2026 (May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Basic Wilderness First Aid (BWFA) and CPR Classes

May 2, 2026

9:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Beech Grove Masonic Lodge, 617 Main Street, Beech Grove, IN

Event Host: Harry Morris ciwcinfo@gmail.com

Cost:

Cost: CPR only $25.00
CPR only with BLS Card $45.00
WFA, and Field Guide $75.00
WFA, Field Guide and CPR $100.00
WFA, and CPR with BLS Card for Health Care providers $120

Maximum/Minimum number: 10/10

Location: Beech Grove Masonic Lodge

Date: May 2, 2026 – 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, 4:30 pm for CPR Only

NOTE: The class will close once 10 people have signed up.

Cancellation Date: NA

The entire day (9:00 AM to 6:30 P.M.) at 617 Main Street, Beech Grove Masonic Lodge, Beech Grove, Indiana, will be devoted to Basic Wilderness First Aid (BWFA) Classes. These are especially for current CIWC trip leaders with certifications before 2026 trip season and those new people wishing to become trip leaders or other members of CIWC are welcome to take the classes as well.

This training is required to be a CIWC overnight trip leader, and you’ll find it to be pertinent to the type of trips we do and the venues we travel to. The instructor is Doug Pyle, EMT with Fishers Fire Department. Doug is also an adventurer and Boy Scout leader. He has been teaching classes for CIWC for years.

There will be a short lunch break, so bring a sack lunch as there will not be time to leave the property. Everyone is welcome to bring snacks and drinks. There is a kitchen with microwave, and refrigerator, freezer.

The CPR Class will start at 4:30 p.m.

You will be issued an e-card based upon the name in your registration.

Please send questions to: ciwcinfo@gmail.com

There are several options that you’ll see within the registration levels.

If you have a valid and current CPR certification you do not need to take the CPR again but be sure to bring your card to the class.

If you don’t have a valid or current CPR certification, then you need the registration level that includes CPR.

Beginner Backpacking Trip: Shades State Park, Waveland, IN, May 9-10, 2026 (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Beginners Backpacking Trip

Shades State Park, Waveland, IN

May 9-10, 2026

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: TBD

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 Liability Release.

Questions? Contact CIWCinfo@gmail.com

CIWC Bike the Nickel Plate Trail - May 9, 2026 (May 09, 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Bike Riding
Difficulty Level: Easy

Beginner Backpacking Trip: Salamonie Lake State Park, Waveland, IN, May 23-24, 2026 (May 23, 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Beginners Backpacking Trip

Salamonie Lake State Park, Andrews, IN

May 23-24, 2026

Trip Leaders: Nancy Myers and Diana Moss

Type of Trip: Beginner Backpacking/Hiking

Contact: ciwcinfo@gmail.com

Cost: $40 (non Refundable) -

What is Provided:

1. Saturday Dinner and Sunday Breakfast.
2. The use of club gear.
3. A camp site reservation.
Not provided - Saturday or Sunday lunch and snacks for the trail.

Adults Only

Maximum number: 8

Difficulty: Beginner

Rain Date: June 6-7, 2026

Trip Plan:

We will hike into a primitive back country campsite on the Bloodroot Trail at Salamonie Lake. Our exact meeting location at Salamonie Lake, between Wabash and Huntington, will be provided after registration. The Indiana DNR 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 2026 Indiana State Park pass when you enter. Passes may be purchased at the entrance gate.

At the meeting location we will get acquainted and distribute evening and breakfast meals along with any borrowed gear. 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 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.

After setting up camp, we will prepare our backpacking meals. Additional activities will include, back country food storage 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 back country 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.

Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast will be provided by the leaders. Dinner 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 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? 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. A suggested gear list will be provided by your trip leaders.

Participants will bring their own snacks, drink items, and a sleeping bag and pad suitable for the expected overnight temperature.

All trip participants will have the ability to hike 3-5 miles per day on uneven terrain with their backpacks. 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 Liability Release.

Questions? Contact CIWCinfo@gmail.com

CIWC Day Hike in Morgan Monroe State Forest- Low Gap Trail - May 30, 2026 (May 30, 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

CIWC Day Hike in Morgan Monroe SF

Low Gap Trail - May 30, 2026

May 30, 2026, at Look for sign and second larger Parking lot for Low Gap Trail

6251 Forest Rd, Unionville, IN 47468

Open to the Public

Time: 9:00AM Meeting | 9:10 AM Departure | 1:30PM Return

Trip Host: Danielle Johnston

Co-Host: Susie Payne

This is a 10.2-mile hike. This is rugged with some water crossings. There is a 300ft elevation climb. The trail is well traveled, but not the most well maintained. It's a great opportunity for training for longer more intensive hikes. This trail is part of the Tecumseh Trail and has many scenic views and camp spots for future trips. Right now there are fields of bluebells visible for the trail. Adults only. Guests and non-members welcome.

Transportation Plan: Partipants will drive themselves and meet at the parking lot. If interested in carpooling, email me.

Required Gear/Clothing: Hiking boots, hiking polls, 2L of water, Snacks, dress for the weather, and your 10 essentials.

Cell Service Availability: Spotty

Emergency Exit Plan: IU Health Morgan Hospital, 2209 John R Wooden Dr, Martinsville, IN 46151

Questions? Contact: ciwcinfo@gmail.com

CIWC Volunteer Day at Holliday Park, June 13, 2026 (June 13, 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Volunteer Day at Holliday Park

Volunteer Day

June 13, 2026, at Holliday 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. We hope to have 15 to 20 volunteers on Saturday June 13th.

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.

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

Please RSVP to help us anticipate turnout.

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 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: $1100/$550

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

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

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. To limit daily mileage and access available hotels, 36 miles will be cut for a total of 200 trip miles. There will be time to relax in the afternoon and evening to visit local sites. Several wineries are optional to visit.

We will utilize two vehicles to shuttle personal gear from hotel to hotel. 4 rooms will be reserved each night with 2 people to a room. Some of the smaller establishments may have only one queen or king bed to a room for two people. Most breakfasts will be provided by the 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 and hotel expenses. 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 AuSable River Overnight Paddling/Camping, Grayling, MI, August 22-26, 2026 (August 22, 2026)

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

AuSable River Overnight Paddling/Camping

Grayling, Michigan

August 22 - 26, 2026

Co-Trip Leaders: Dave Hoffmeyer and John Carlson

Type of Trip: Paddling/Camping

Trip Cost/Deposit: $200/$100

Cancellation Date and full payment: June 1, 2026

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: 12/6 Maximum/Minimum

Adults Only

Au Sable River Canoe trip August 20-26, 2026

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.

When you arrive in Grayling, 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 Wednesday, August 26th.

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 Liability Release.

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