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Outerbelt Thru-Hikers Finish with Flourish

The small group pioneered a 210-mile loop linking natural areas throughout Chicagoland.

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When a small group of hikers strolled over to Buckingham Fountain last week, they officially completed the first thru-hike of the “Outerbelt,” a new route that connects natural areas throughout Chicagoland and proves it’s possible to get in a lengthy trek even near the city (it took them two weeks to finish). The group plans to publish an interactive map to help others follow in their footsteps.

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