Mid-Week Backpacking Trip
Charles Deam Wilderness/Hoosier National Forest
Bloomington, IN
Wednesday May 15 - Friday May 17, 2019
Co-Trip Leaders: Jill Whelan and Bob Klecka
Type of Trip: Backpacking
Trip Cost/Deposit: $25
Wilderness Level: 3 High Risk – Forested setting with road access but EMS more than 2 hours away
Trip Difficulty: Moderate 6-7 miles per day with some 575 foot elevation gain
Group Size: 9/7 Maximum/Minimum
Adults Only
Join us mid-week for a backpacking experience. This is a good trip for those wanting to go beyond beginner as well as more seasoned hikers. We will make a big loop on several connecting trails, including the Axom Branch Trail, the Sycamore Loop, the Martin Hollow Trail and the Cope Hollow Trail. We will average 6-7 miles per day. Camping will be along Sycamore Creek and Geiger Ridge Pond. There is definitely some up and down but most of the trails are relatively easy to moderate, and we will be in no hurry to get anywhere. There will be plenty of time to rest as needed and to observe the wonders of nature around us! The wildflowers are sure to be beautiful at this time of year, and there will be frog choruses at night. Hiking during the week should help us to avoid the typical weekend crowds in this popular area. So if you feel that you are ready to go beyond a beginner trip but are not yet ready for the Appalachian Trail, this may be the trip for you!
The trip fee covers 2 group dinners and campfire treats, use of club stoves, fuel, and cooking pots, club water treatment equipment, and any tents and/or backpacks needed by participants. Participants will provide their own lunch/hiking snacks and 2 “add-boiling-water” breakfasts. Meeting time and place will be sent to all participants along with other details a few weeks before the trip. All participants must send in a medical form and sign a waiver before the trip
All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.
