Lets explore & Hike Lemont Heritage Quarries, 4, 5.5 or 8 miles, optional lunch

Optional post hike lunch
TBD

Hike Summary:
Please allow for max 25 minutes per mile to allow for time to take pictures and for people to use facilities between hikes. There are multiple mileage options and you can leave whenever you wish. We arrive back at the lot after each.

These trails are owned by Lemont Township and they said that all are welcome, no rsvp limit. Its located near Waterfall Glen.

The first time I came here I didn't know what to expect. It thru some surprises at me including a 6 foot waterfall and some pretty scenery. Water features are everywhere on this hike.

I last led a hike here in March 2024 in partnership with the Forge. They have since dissolved their meetup group. This parking lot and venue is open to the public and since I've been here before I now know what to expect. I'm looking forward to visiting this place in a different season!

Hike 1: 4 miles
This will be a perimeter loop along trails of all sizes and shapes. Its easy with a few areas of unlevel surfaces.
Mostly crushed gravel path 6-8 feet wide, nice lake on one side and light forest on the other, not heavily shaded.
Some areas are narrow single track packed dirt with unlevel sections thru forest. A few muddy areas possible if its been raining. We'll end up back at the parking lot

Hike 2: 1.5 more miles (5.5 cumulative)
This part is optional and explore the inner trails of Heritage quarry. Its an Intermediate hike in some areas due to unlevel rocky terrain and a steep hill but mostly easy. They are all dirt trails and if its been raining will be muddy. These trails are very wide with nothing on them but dirt and rocks. A bulldozer came thru here not so long ago and made them.

Its forested, not dense but sufficient enough to provide shade if you came back here in Summer. Trails have rocky areas and nothing flat and smooth. I was surprised by a steep ravine, maybe only 15 or 20 feet but had to grip onto trees going down cause I didn't have my poles.

Hike 3: 2 more miles (8 cumulative)
Explore other sections along the canal. We can hike the other side of the canal from the waterfall along the canal and do another loop. This would involve repeating about .4 miles from hike 1.

Directions / where to meet:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dfbh3H2cRSFWVCws8?g_st=ic
227 Heritage Quarries Dr, Lemont
Parking Lot #1, near the porta potties

Its an industrial area outside of main Lemont downtown.
You'll have to cross over some railroad tracks to get here.
The tracks and streets are at very odd, unusual angles.

Once you cross the railroad tracks you'll see the canal.
Take a gravel road that is on the left side of the canal
and follow signs for the Forge.

Its about half mile drive down a bumpy gravel road to get to the parking lot 1. You'll know your in parking lot 1 when you see the Forge zipline
equipment.

This hike is cross posted with Chicagoland Trailblazers Hiking group
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/310143360
and my guest RSVP will include members of that group.