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 (2)
See all- Hike Hickory Creek Preserve, LaPorte Road Access, in Mokena, IL, about 4 milesHickory Creek Preserve - LaPorte Road Access, Mokena, IL$1.00
The weather on Thursday afternoon is forecast to be in the upper 80’s, (hot) sunny, and dry. Because it will be hot, bring water. You might also consider a hat or sunscreen and bug spray; there might be mosquitoes and/or ticks in the area. Dress for the heat.
I know we come here often, but the shade this preserve offers is hard to beat. We'll walk about 4 miles out and back on an easy, paved path through a nice mix of woods and prairie. We will turn around at the Frankfort Township offices along Route 30, aka, Lincoln Hwy. Since it's an out-and-back route, you can always turn around earlier. There are some side trails, so I was thinking we can do the return leg of this hike partially in the woods. It would extend the mileage a little bit.
This is the LaPorte Road access to the Hickory Creek Preserve, NOT Hickory Creek Junction, where we more frequently hike, so be sure to check the map if you haven't been there. Access is to the eastern segment of the Hickory Creek Bikeway.
This preserve has a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Hickory.Creek.LaPorte/
For more info, map, etc., go to: https://map.reconnectwithnature.org/publicwebmap/ Then click on "Forest Preserves," Then click on "Hickory Creek Preserve - LaPort Rd. Access. - Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, 2.5 miles or moreLake Renwick Preserve - Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Plainfield, IL$1.00
This is one of the Will County Forest Preserve DIstrict's annual fall Woods Walks: Take a hike: Will County’s 23rd annual Woods Walk returns this fall | Forest Preserve District of Will County If you hike at least 7 of the 10 listed trails, you get a pin. We won't lead hikes on all of them, but this can get you started! Here's the booklet listing all this year's trails, this one is #3:
Woods-Walk-Book-2025-WEB.pdfWe haven't visited the Rookery in a long time, but this should be a good time of year to see the many birds that live there. Bring your binoculars. This will be a more leisurely hike, but there's an option to go quite a bit further on the connected Lake Renwick Bikeway. Flat, easy, mostly out-and-back.
There are several entrances to this preserve so make sure you come to the right one, it's on the south side of the preserve off of Renwick Rd, (NOT Lockport St.).
When you rsvp it will probably say "unpaid"; just bring $1 cash donation with you (not required).
