9:00 Stunning Bluebell Hike in Naperville 7 miles, option for 4 at Knoch Knolls!

9:00 start time due to expected crowded parking lot.

Bluebells were at peak bloom on 04/26/25.

My son and I discovered this area in October 2020 and were very surprised! Its a gem right in Naperville. This is where the East and West branches of the DuPage river meet.

This will be a slower pace hike no more than 2.8mph to allow us to soak in the beauty all around us and take pictures. A slower pace will enable those who wish to take pictures to catch up with the group.

Allowing 3.5 hours for the full 7 mile hike due to an expected larger than usual group and stopping to take photos.

This hike is cross posted with Chicagoland Trailblazers Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/307502510
and my guest rsvp includes members of the group.

Hike 1: 4 miles
From the past two years I know that bluebells are in full bloom and dense! This hike has no elevation changes, its flat. The trails are unlevel in some areas and will be over a variety of surfaces. We'll be on hard packed dirt, very narrow single track packed down hay, grass, and small portions concrete (less than .5 miles). The hike will be in both wooded areas and some open areas along the East branch. We'll stop by the confluence of the East and West branch of the DuPage river.
Back to the parking lot after hike 1.

Hike 2: 3 miles (7 total)
The hike will also include packed dirt and narrow trails. Its heavily forested in certain sections. These don't have bluebells but do have May Apples, purple violets and a few yellow ones. Other wildflowers include false mermaid weed, and cut-leaved toothwort. The trails are shared by mountain bikes.

Location
320 Knoch Knolls Road
Naperville

Directions
GPS will take you there, just be sure that you arrive at Knoch Knolls Park and not the sports center.

Where to meet
Meet in front of the information sign near the big bridge in the parking lot. We'll start walking at 9:15.

Websites
https://napervilleparks.org/knochknollsnaturecenter