Hike St. James Farm, McCormick Woods, & Blackwell, 3.3, 4.7 or 8.4 miles

Optional Post hike lunch
Montri Thai Fine Cuisine
2S535 Illinois route 59 Warrenville
https://www.montrithaicuisine.com/
"Featuring the freshest ingredients created by order, Montri is dedicated to making your dish just the way you
like it-from spice, to vegetarian." Also has a martini bar.
Earlier and later reservations depending on how far you hike.
Separate checks ok per Kay

Summary
Hike 1 is 3.3 miles and end up at lot
Hike 2 is 4.7 cumulative and end up at lot
Hike 3 is 8.4 cumulative

This hike is rescheduled from 12/28 due to lightning in the area.

St. James Farm is a very popular destination all year round and people can be seen walking their dogs here even in Winter. You can read more on their website https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/st-james-farm

This hike is cross posted with Chicagoland Trailblazers Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/312616904
and my guest rsvp includes members of the group.

Hike 1 is about 3.3 miles
Its very flat and easy. If its icy then ice cleats are highly recommended.
We will start out on crushed limestone and head south toward Butterfield road, then taking a right-hand turn onto a grassy / packed dirt un-manicured trail. This section is not completely level and there are tree roots crossing the path sticking up 1 or 2 inches. This part of the hike goes into McCormick woods trail (completed in 2018). It is crushed limestone and in this section the landscape opens up into prairies. End up very close to parking lot.

Hike 2: 4.7 cumulative
Largely crushed limestone and take more trails all around the farm. Heads back to the area where all the monuments, caboose and little bridge is.

Hike 3: 8.4 miles or turn around for shorter
Allow an additional 1.5 hours for this part
Lets hike toward the East side of Blackwell. I know where the trail is that goes there and crosses the street. 3.5 mile loop around Silver lake or turn around for shorter option. Its an easy flat hike except for about quarter mile of it which is moderate.
Upon entering Blackwell we'll take a narrow, rustic footpath for
about a quarter mile. Its a moderate trail featuring roots, narrow
ledge next to a 20 or so foot bluff, and ducking thru a fallen
tree. It then opens up into a walk on the grass around Silver Lake. To make a loop requires walking on a not-so-busy forest preserve drive
a short way. Other parts of the trail connection are asphalt, and crushed limestone.

Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Location:
2S541 Winfield Rd, Warrenville

Where to meet:
At the information sign at 10:00, we will start walking at 10:10.