Chicago Transit Hikes Trail Run/Hike: North Branch Trail at New Book Joy – Chicago, IL

Calling all nature-loving, public transport enthusiasts! Ready to move through fall colors?

We’re hitting the Chicagoland trails to celebrate the second edition of Lindsay Welbers’s Chicago Transit Hikes, newly released from University of Illinois Press. This guide to getting out in nature without a car is must-read for any city dweller itching to appreciate our undervalued Midwestern landscape in an easily accessible way.

Join us at New Book Joy for a three- or six-mile trail run or two-mile walk with Queer Chicago Outdoor Club on the North Branch Trail, followed by a Q&A, book sales, and signing with the author.

As this book higlights our wonderful getting out to nature without a car and our public transportation system, we encourage you to arrive by Metra, CTA, bike, etc.

No prior reading required. Copies of Chicago Transit Hikes will be available for purchase at the event.

The TL;DR:

ARRIVE: Arrive at New Book Joy (5512 W Devon) between 9:45-10:00am to check in, get your name tag, and purchase your copy of Chicago Transit Hikes.

ROUTE: Choose between an easy-paced (11:00-12:00 min/mile) 6-mile or 3-mile trail run or 1-mile hike.

Author Q&A: After the movement portion, hear a live Q&A with Chicago Transit Hikes author Lindsey Welbers, plus light bites and a raffle.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PLAN: If it becomes unsafe to run outside, we will hold a modified version of the event at 12pm. You will be notified via email no later than 8am on Sunday, October 5 if there are any changes to the event.

All ticket holders will receive reminder emails and details 2 days and 4 hours prior to the event.

About your hosts:

Read & Run Chicago is the flagship chapter of Read & Run Tours, LLC—the nation’s first and only organization hosting running events inspired by books. Founded in 2021 by queer educator, writer, and runner Allison Yates, our mission is simple: to use movement and stories to explore place. Our community-centered programming includes running tours, book club runs, author talks, and other literary-themed fun runs—all inspired by books set in our cities and written by local authors. Along the way, we champion literacy initiatives, public libraries, independent bookstores, and the writers who bring our communities to life. In Chicago, we’ve hosted nearly 120 events featuring 30+ authors and local experts. Our work has been highlighted by CNN, Runner’s World, Midwest Living, NBC’s Chicago Today, FOX32 Good Day Chicago, WGN Radio, Block Club Chicago, and more. More information at readandrunchicago.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

Queer Chicago Outdoors: Queer Chicago Outdoor (QCO) was founded in 2022 to create welcoming opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals in the greater Chicagoland area to connect through nature. As part of the city’s vibrant network of queer grassroots organizations, QOC offers free and accessible ways for people to build community, make friends, and enjoy the outdoors together. The main focus is group hikes in the forest preserves surrounding Chicago, with occasional day trips to destinations within three hours of the city. Since the start, QCO explored trails across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. All group details and upcoming events can be found on Instagram at @QueerChicagoOutdoor.