What we’re about
The southwest suburbs are full of wonderful forest preserves, parks and natural areas. I spend a lot of time walking/hiking in them, and I'm sure there are others of you who are retired, working part-time, between jobs or whatever who like to get some outdoor exercise during the week. Let's get together and do some walking!
We usually hike on Tuesday mornings for 1-2 hours, usually between 3 and 5 miles, at a moderate pace. Coffee or lunch afterwards is often an option. Hikes may also be scheduled on other days of the week, along with occasional longer outings to places further away. We may or may not hike year-round, depending on the severity of the weather.
Dogs are not permitted on this group's hikes, unless a special exception is requested and granted or a special "dog-friendly" hike is announced. Several of the places we frequently hike are nature preserves that don't allow dogs. Also, I think it might slow down the group or cause problems if several people bring dogs. Thanks for your cooperation.
Upcoming events
3
- $1.00
I&M Canal Trail from Joliet Ironworks, 6+ miles or less
Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, 60 Columbia Street, Joliet, IL, USWe've enjoyed learning about our area's atomic history in Palos and the quarries in Lemont, so let's continue on this journey with the historic Joliet Iron Works. We'll spend some time exploring the Historic Site on the paved interpretive trail, Joliet Iron Works Historic Site | Forest Preserve District of Will County. This was the site of an iron manufacturing facility from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Cultural resources protected at the preserve include foundations of the blast furnaces and other structures from the dismantled factory.
Then we'll head up the I&M Canal Towpath toward Lockport. It's about 3 miles to Dellwood Park with its own fascinating history. Those who like can explore the park or continue to downtown Lockport; those who want a shorter hike can turn around at any point and head back to the Ironworks. Easy, flat crushed stone trail.
18 attendees - $1.00
Hike Country Lane Woods from Little Red Schoolhouse, 3.5 miles or more
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL, USThis is a group favorite, starting and ending at a very nice indoor nature center (with restrooms!). Please note that we're starting from the Little Red Schoolhouse parking lot, NOT the Country Lane Woods parking lot. We'll take the yellow trail east and north up around the loop, with those who wish cutting off back to the Country Lane Woods parking lot and down the tan trail for around 3.5 miles. I may do that and then add on one or more of the short hikes around the Nature Center that we rarely do. Those who want a longer hike can continue up and around one or more larger loops to add on a couple more miles (we'll probably split into smaller groups). This is a very nice, wide, mostly flat crushed limestone trail.
Trail map at:
Palos Trail System Map - Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)Region map at:
Southwest Zone Map - Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center - Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)
24 attendees - $1.00
Hike Hickory Creek Junction, paved path, ~5+ miles
Hickory Creek Junction, Prestancia Dr., 60451 41.509146, -87.905827, New Lenox, il, USI know Rich leads this one often on Thursday afternoons, but it's been a while since we did it on a Tuesday morning. We'll start at the Lincoln Hwy entrance to the Hickory Creek Preserve and hike to the Schmuhl Schoolhouse and back. A nice wide paved trail through woods and prairie. A bit over 5 miles total out and back, slightly hilly but not difficult. Since it's out-and-back, anyone who doesn't want to walk that far can turn around earlier or wait for the group on one of the benches along the way.
Please note that we meet at the Second and last parking lot after you turn off Lincoln Hwy, back by the pavilion.
If there is an interest, we can go for brunch afterwards, just east on Rte 30 at the Maple House Cafe, Maple House Cafe (wordpress.com). I'm not making a reservation, so if there are a lot of us we may need to split up into smaller groups.
Info and directions at: Hickory Creek Preserve | Forest Preserve District of Will County (reconnectwithnature.org). Make sure you follow the link to Hickory Creek Junction; there are three separate access points for this preserve. Access the interactive map or Google map link for directions and trail info.
17 attendees
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