New challenge arises at Starved Rock

UTICA, Ill. — Seeking to up the ante on adventure, hikers at Starved Rock State Park will be challenged either Sept. 25 or Sept. 26 to take a 13.4-mile “MegaHike.”

Event Coordinator Edna Daugherty, who also serves as Starved Rock Lodge’s activities director, thought it was time to take organized hiking to a higher level.

So, she asked fellow members of the Lodge’s Walker’s Club what they thought of her idea.

Both Gary Hildebrandt and Ron Bengston agreed that it was a good idea. They even offered to act as guides for the all-park, 18-canyon outing.

“This is a chance to tour all of Starved Rock’s paths, canyons and waterfalls in just one day,” said Daugherty.

The Walker’s Club leaves from the Hotel Lobby at 9 a.m. every Thursday for a three-hour hike.

Their agendas divide the park into four parts, so walkers get to see the whole park during each season of the year.

“My goal for the MegaHike was to do it in one day, but that was too hard, Daugherty said, “so we broke the course into two parts and created a package to let guests stay the night and get some rest.”

The rigorous hike is limited to 20 people.

The Starved Rock Trolley will take participants to Illinois Canyon. From there, they will hike into all accessible canyons and go to many lookout points.

All hikers will receive a T-shirt for completing the hike.

Cost is $35, which includes T-shirt, guide, lunch and transportation to the first canyon.

This will be a challenging hike and hikers should wear the appropriate clothing, especially footwear, and bring plenty of water.

There is limited space for this first-time-ever event.

For reservations and times, please call 815-220-7386.