Hike scenic Dellwood, I&M canal, Legacy Adventure Park 3, 3.4, 6.4 or 7.5 miles
Details
Optional post hike lunch
200 W. 8th st Lockport
https://www.publiclandingrestaurant.com/
Upscale casual eatery in the historic Gaylord building. Over 30 gluten free items, grass fed steaks
Separate checks ok per Nick
This hike is cross posted with Chicagoland Trailblazers Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/312617489
and my guest rsvp includes members of the group.
The pace will vary between 3mph and 2.5mph. Leaders will hike at various paces. We'll stop for pictures a few times.
There are porta pottys where we meet and throughout several areas including Legacy Adventure park.
Hike 1: 3 miles
Areas of this hike are intermediate meaning you will have to go down gravel hills which may be slippery if its been raining. I plan to bring poles. We'll cross Fraction creek which involves taking a big step over slabs of concrete.
The bluffs are 30 to 60 foot and some fun hills here and there. There is no bushwhacking and trails are all very well maintained.
There will be unique concrete antique style bridge crossings here and there. Trails are a combo of wood chip mulch, gravel, dirt, grass, and small portions asphalt. Thinly forested in most areas.
They call it the "Canyons" for a reason. We'll take some stairs down to some of them on this hike. You'll also have opportunities to do intermediate bluff climbs on this hike but not required. Dellwood is a disk golf course and we'll have to watch for people playing.
Hike 2: 3.4 miles cumulative
View the 120 year old concrete damn that was used to create a lake back in 1905. We'll go under a creepy tunnel that goes under route 171 and view the path that visitors took as they exited the railroad to enter Dellwood Park in the early 1900s. Walk over a boardwalk and a short way down a dirt trail where you'll see towering bluffs covered with bright green moss in a wooded area. To your left will be the railroad. At the point where we cross the railroad track (3 mile mark) you'll turn around and head back on your own.
Hike 3: 6.4 miles cumulative
This hike includes I&M canal and portions of Legacy Adventure Park. Its all flat level hiking on crushed limestone or gravel roads. There are 7 themed areas to visit and I visited Ghost town during this hike. If its not occupied with a paintball event we can explore it!
Cross over the pedestrian friendly railroad crossing to get to the I&M Canal. This will take us to Legacy Adventure Park aka Legacy Campground. The hike down I&M canal to Legacy Adventure Park is .6 miles one way.
When we see a tree that fell over the I&M canal trail look to your right. 10 feet later there are some rapids and outcrop rocks, pretty cool.
There are cliffs and lakes to admire during this hike, portions are very pretty and other areas look like the land that time forgot! Some are downright creepy.
At the 5 mile mark some people can head to the right and go back on their own. The rest of us will take a left.
Hike 3: 7.5 miles cumulative
This hike includes I&M canal and portions of Adventure Park. The plan is to visit the Carnage section, I was in awe LOL! The hike goes to the end of the premises which is Hells Gate haunted house but does not include a visit inside. We'll make our way back down the gravel roads, head back down the I&M canal and back to the lot.
**From the web https://www.legacyadventurepark.com/map_ghost-town.html:**
Ghost Town, at Legacy Adventure Park, is one of our largest fields. This unique oval design is 225 ft by 200 ft and features 9 buildings, 2 covered wagons, 6 wagons, and an additional 25 bunkers. Sitting under the cover of tall trees, with a mulch playing surface, Ghost Town is a perfect field to escape the summer sun. Whether you are playing Paintball, AirSoft, Laser Tag, or Archery Tag, you and your friends will be transported into another time and another world.
**https://www.legacyadventurepark.com/map_carnage.html**
Carnage is our post-apocalyptic urban field. Measuring out at 175'x175', the town of Carnage is lined with demolished storefronts, littered with street barricades and features several field elements from CPX. If you're feeling bold, you can always attempt to gain the sniper position in the old CPX school bus or flank the town through the woods and tall grass.
Location
Park at the first lot immediately as you turn in. make an immediate right and park there. Its a huge parking area and we'll walk to trail from where we park.
Dellwood Park, Woods Dr, Lockport, IL 60441
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=41.57457%2C%20-88.06286