Central Indiana Wilderness Club

🥾Bloodroot Trail - 2026 CIWC Beginner Backpacking Trip Writeup

The trip was a great success, with six participants and two leaders enjoying a beautiful spring overnight along Salamonie Lake. Although rain had been forecast for much of the weekend, the weather timing worked out nearly perfectly. We were able to set up camp, cook dinner, and spend the evening together before a beautiful sunset over the lake. Temperatures stayed comfortable and, surprisingly, mosquitoes were minimal.

Because the hike to camp was relatively short, participants had plenty of time to settle in, explore camp life, and try new skills in a relaxed environment. Several different backpacking stove systems were demonstrated and used throughout the evening, giving newer backpackers the opportunity to compare setups and ask questions. Participants also practiced knots, discussed food storage and campcraft, and helped build a small campfire despite damp conditions.

One of the highlights of the evening was seeing connections form naturally across the group. Around the fire, participants discovered shared interests spanning multiple generations, including Dungeons & Dragons, gaming, and other “nerddom,” which led to lots of laughter and conversation.

The group also enjoyed several memorable wildlife moments. We caught multiple sightings of a juvenile bald eagle near the lake, and heard barred owls calling after dark.

Sunday, the rain held out until we returned to the car park. The trails were muddy from the previous rains, but the group handled the wet conditions well and maintained positive attitudes throughout the hike out. Overall, the trip provided a welcoming introduction to backpacking skills, camp life, and outdoor community for newer hikers while also creating space for experienced backpackers to share knowledge and stories.

- Trip Co-Leader, Diana

📢Good day, outdoor enthusiasts! As a reminder, we have our June Public Meeting and Social coming up this Wednesday, covering the topic of Paddling in Indiana. Looking forward to seeing you there! Please make sure to register. https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6713076

We have a new day event to put what we learn to practice and get out on the water on June 14th.
🌊CIWC Canoe White River - June 14, 2026 https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6714699

🌊Ready to cool off and learn something new this summer? Join us on June 10 for a fun CIWC meeting all about paddling in Indiana. Great for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
Please register to help us anticipate turnout: https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6503595

As a follow-up to the June 10th social and presentation on Paddling in Indiana, CIWC is hosting a day trip to get out on the water.

🌊🚣‍♀️ Canoe Day is coming!
Join us June 14 for a relaxed 6‑mile paddle down the White River — perfect for new paddlers or anyone wanting a summer reset on the water.

📍 White River Canoe Company
🕘 9:15 AM meet‑up
💵 $27.50 per canoe seat
🦺 Bring your own life jacket if you prefer — CIWC requires them on the water

Let’s make it a great day outside!
👉 RSVP: https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6714699

Katy Trail Bike Trip • Missouri 🚴‍♀️🌿
August 1–8, 2026
Ride through charming towns, riverside views, and optional winery stops 🍷

✔ 200 miles • Moderate difficulty
✔ Gear shuttle included 🚐
✔ Mix of lodging + camping 🏨⛺

$800 Trip Fee • Final payment due July 1
Waitlist available (does not guarantee a spot)

✨ Adventure starts here
👉 Learn More: https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6512037

🌿 Join us for the CIWC Annual Picnic on Sunday, June 28!
We’ll be at Cool Creek Park, Shelter C, from 11 AM to 3 PM, and everyone — members and guests — is invited.
Here’s what’s happening throughout the day:
🚴‍♂️ 11:00 AM – Group bike ride led by John South
🥾 11:00 AM – Self‑guided hike on the park’s wooded trails
🍗 12:30 PM – Lunch (CIWC provides fried chicken and water; bring a dish to share + your own beverages)
🐦 2:00 PM – Birding presentation by Naturalist Amanda Smith, followed by an optional visit to the nature center
Bring a lawn chair, a favorite game, and any photos or memories from 2025 trips. A table will be available if you’d like to bring gear to sell or give away.
📍 Cool Creek Park, Shelter C
📅 June 28, 2026 • 11 AM – 3 PM
🔗 Please register at the following link so we know how many to plan for https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6713076
Questions? Email [email protected].

🌊Ready to cool off and learn something new this summer? Join us on June 10 for a fun CIWC meeting all about paddling in Indiana. Great for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
Please register to help us anticipate turnout: https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6503595

🌟 CIWC Backpacking Adventure: Red River Gorge, KY — July 14–16, 2026 🌟
Ready to spend three days exploring one of the most stunning geological areas in the Midwest? Join CIWC for a 20‑mile backpacking loop through the iconic Red River Gorge — natural arches, rugged ridgelines, deep forest, and unforgettable views.
Trip Highlights:
• 📍 Red River Gorge Geological Area
• 🥾 Moderate terrain, ~1000 ft elevation gain, up to 10 miles/day
• 🎒 Wilderness Level 2 | Fitness Level 3
• 🧭 2 nights on trail, 20‑mile loop
• 🌉 Natural arches + scenic overlooks
• 🍕 Final‑day stop at the famous Miguel’s Pizza
• 🚐 Group travel from Indianapolis in a 12‑person van
• 🐻 Bear canisters required (club has a few available)
Trip Leaders: Harry Morris & A’ame Joslin
Trip Cost: $135 (due at signup)
Group Size: Max 8 | Adults + High School Youth welcome

Registration Options:
• ✔️ Standard Signup: $135
• ⏳ Waitlist Signup: $135 (refunded if you never make the roster)
Important: A $50 non‑refundable cancellation fee applies once you make the active roster.
This trip is perfect if you:
✔️ Want a moderate backpacking challenge
✔️ Can hike 6–8 miles/day with a 25–35 lb pack
✔️ Love natural arches, rugged terrain, and big adventure energy
✔️ Want to explore with a supportive, fun outdoor community
📩 Questions? Email: [email protected]
📝 Required: CIWC Medical Form + Liability Release
👉 Register here: https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6627815
Spots are limited — grab yours before the roster fills.

Another successful BBT Beginner Backpacking trip a couple of weekends ago. Perfect weather and cheerful participants interested in learning more about being self sufficient in wilderness. We did have it a bit cushy with a pump for water, an outhouse and a picnic table but it was still a hike in. At Shades State Park

🌳 CIWC Volunteer Day at Holliday Park — June 13, 2026 🌳
Each year, CIWC “gives back” to Holliday Park for generously allowing us free use of their space for our socials, workshops, classes, and events. Now it’s our turn to show up and support the park that supports us.
We’re looking for 15–20 volunteers to help with light outdoor work—think simple yard clean‑up or landscaping tasks.
👕 Dress in work clothes
🧤 Gloves & tools provided
📝 You may need to sign a waiver onsite
Your time helps us meet our partnership goals and keeps this amazing space available for future CIWC events.
🔗 Please RSVP on our website to help us anticipate attendance:
https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6503608
Thank you for helping us give back to a place we all enjoy.

🚴‍♂️ CIWC Cycle the Nickel Plate Trail: Kokomo → Rochester
📅 July 11–12, 2026
📍 Nickel Plate Trail, Kokomo, IN
💲 Trip Fee: $150
🔗 Registration Link: https://ciwc.wildapricot.org/event-6512261
Ready for a summer ride with great company, smooth trail miles, and a little circus fun along the way? Join CIWC for a two‑day cycling adventure on the beautiful 45‑mile Nickel Plate Trail!
What’s Included:
• Transportation to/from the Indy north‑side meeting point
• Luggage transport each day
• Hotel stay (2 per room)
• Tickets to the Peru Amateur Circus
• A fully supported, fun weekend with fellow cyclists
Trip Highlights:
🚴 Day 1: Kokomo → Peru (20 miles), dinner, showers & circus
🚴 Day 2: Peru → Rochester (25 miles)
🍦 Ice cream stop highly likely
🛏️ Lodging included
🥾 Wilderness Level: 2
⚙️ Trip Difficulty: Moderate (12 mph pace, paved/hard‑pack trail)
Trip Leaders: John South & TBD
Group Size: Max 8
Adults; youth with leader approval
Important Dates:
• Full payment due by June 10, 2026
• $50 non‑refundable registration fee applies once on the roster
• Waitlist option available (does not guarantee a spot)
Questions? Email [email protected]
All participants must submit a CIWC Medical Form & Liability Release.
Come ride, explore, laugh, and enjoy a classic CIWC summer weekend.