4sta Hike
Illinois City, United States • 12 Sep 2026
4sta Hike
The 9th Annual 4sta Hike takes place at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Andalusia, Illinois along the banks of the Mississippi River. The event runs as a timed loop format with a four hour time limit and a one mile loop used repeatedly.
Course options are described as an Easy route that stays on main trails and a Hard route that includes several off trail sections. Organizers prefer the Hard course and plan to use it if conditions allow. The Easy option is listed with 230 feet of gain and loss per loop and the Hard option with 304 feet of gain and loss per loop. Final course selection may depend on summer rain and might not be confirmed until about a week before the event. Current fastest known times for the loop are 9:29 for men and 11:49 for women.
Terrain includes smooth single track, rocks, roots, downed trees and steep gradients reported up to 48 percent, along with gently rolling sections. Wildlife commonly seen on the trails includes deer, turkeys, coyotes and snakes.
A small aid station will be located at the start and finish area. The looped layout allows participants to return to a base area often during the event and organizers note that participants may reach the aid area roughly every 10 to 30 minutes depending on pace. Prizes are planned for the male and female with the most loops completed and proceeds after minimal expenses are directed to the forest preserve. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.