We like day-hiking. That’s not to say there aren’t backpackers among us, or intrepid souls who section-hike the PCT, or even crazy fanatics who thru-hike the AT. But by and large our hikes are the tamer sort that we can do on a weekend and still keep our day jobs. We typically hike 10 to 12 miles at a pace of about 3 mph. This can vary by leader, weather, and trail conditions, but it’s a good benchmark if you are wondering about speed and distance.

Most of the trails are within an hour or two of downtown Chicago, at an Illinois park or preserve, and hikers provide their own transportation. A few of our hikes are in Wisconsin, Indiana, or Michigan, and parking or entrance fees may apply. Except as noted on the seasonally updated schedule, we hike every Sunday morning of the year. We’re a hardy group and weather isn’t a show-stopper, so as long as one hiker turns up it’s go-time. All hikers are responsible for their own preparation – proper clothing, gear, footwear, water, food, first aid – bring whatever you need because, hey, we’re not REI, we’re just friends who hike.

Many hikes have bailout points, but this is at the leader’s discretion, and the leader’s pace is everyone’s pace. Not sure you can hike 10 miles of hill and dale in a little over three hours? No problem! Just hop on that treadmill and come join us when you’re ready. Bear in mind that a hike might take 4 or 5 hours to complete, plus your travel time, and that’s often a full-day commitment. (So don’t tell us in the middle of a hike that you need to be at your sister’s wedding in half an hour. We’ll just think you don’t like your sister.)

That’s the deal! There’s no advance sign-up or membership fee required to come on a hike, so when you’re feeling froggy, jump! Show up at the starting location on time and ready to hike and you’re golden. Oh, and here’s another free tip (you can thank me later). Treat the starting time (9:30 for most hikes) like a Swiss train departure, not Metra. Don’t show up at 9:32 and get mad at us for being gone – just get there earlier next time.