Hike Fabyan Forest Preserve & Fox River trails, 8.5 miles, 1.5 & 4 mile options

Optional post hike lunch
Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery
stockholmsbrewpub.com
306 W State Street Geneva
No reservation, Separate checks ok

Feel free to meet us at 11:30 for hikes 2 and 3. If weather is stormy we'll not do this part. If its raining (no storms) I'll still do the hike.

Hike Summary
There are two parts to this hike. The first are single track rustic mountain bike trails which twist and turn and cross over streams or dried up ones. The second part is well maintained trails along the Fox River that are shared with cyclists.
The second part can take in some of the gardens that Fabyan is known for. Dogs are welcome on all parts of the hike.
Hike 1 will be a 25 minute mile due to roots and obstacles. Hike 2 faster pace, 20 to 22 minute mile but may involve stops to view gardens.

Hike 1 - Fabyan forest 4.25 miles
Only 70 acres, but has a maze of heavily wooded single track trails.
Has a few intermediate areas. One was too steep for me so I was down on all fours during preview, nothing to grip on to. Others in the group can lend a hand.
Otherwise terrain is a lot like Deer Grove inner trails which some of you did few months ago. Lots of roots, heavily forested with some filtered sunlight.
Creeks were mostly dried up when I visited July 3. That could change if we have heavy rain. I've seen these trails flooded in 2021.

Hike 2: 1.5 miles (5.75 cumulative)
Easy level hike. Cross route 25 (2 lanes) from where we park and take the Fox River trail toward Fabyan windmill. Short loop thru Gunner Anderson forest on asphalt trails shared with cyclists. Few areas in Gunner Anderson forest are hard packed dirt. We'll end up back where we started. For this hike option cross the street to go back to the parking lot. Others will continue weather permitting.

Hike 3: 2.75 miles (8.50 cumulative)
Cross the bridge and head toward the Fabyan Japanese garden.
Walk southbound on the Fox River trail (asphalt) toward historic downtown Batavia. Some sections wooded but others butt up against huge mansions with massive luxurious front yards. Nevertheless, I have heard an owl on this trail. Houston street go east and pick up the Fox river trail heading back. This part is a loop around the Fox river. Easy level hike.

Parking
1500 Crissey Ave, Batavia.

You'll see a giant Windmill. Please park across the street from
it near the forest. Its a small parking lot and that's where we are meeting. You'll see a Fabyan East sign.

There's lots of parking across the street but doubt the lot will fill.

This hike is cross posted with Trailblazers Hiking group
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/308325706
and my guest rsvp will include members of that group.