We will hike south from Burnt Hickory, turn right on the Hardage Trail and hike to the end at Whitlock Avenue. We will cross Whitlock Avenue and hike to the Illinois Monument. We will take a short break by the monument (there are restrooms nearby for those who need them). We will pass by the Grave of the Unknown Soldier and then make a loop on the creek trail, join the Old John Ward Trail and cross back over Whitlock Avenue. We will then re-join the Hardage Trail in the northbound direction. At the end of the Hardage Trail we will hike up the New Salem Chuch Trail and return to the parking lot. There are several areas on this trail with moderately steep climbs. The total elevation gain is about 1050 ft. The average pace of this hike will be 2.8 - 3.0 mph. Attendees must have recent D3 experience.
