Hike gorgeous Richard Young & Lyon Forest Preserve, 6.25 or shorter 4 miles
Details
Optional post hike lunch:
TBD
Hike Summary:
This is a beautiful little preserve and a favorite with locals. I've never led a hike here in Summer season so it will be a different hike altogether. We'll see flora that we haven't seen during October, the only time I've hiked here.
Its one of the better forest preserves I have discovered so close to the Chicago area.
It features trails that go into and around a deep ravine. There are steps
into and out of the ravine making it easier to navigate. Tall, dense Oak and Maples surround both sides of the trail. Picturesque bridges cross multiple creeks in several areas. The prairie section will likely have a show of wildflowers.
Depending on where you live, it can be as little as 25 minutes southwest of Naperville.
This is Richard Young forest, not Dick Young. They are two different forest preserves named after the same guy.
Its pretty easy with few small moderate areas. The trails are all flat crushed gravel or hard packed dirt and no mud. They range from wide to single file with no bushwhacking. There is only one log to step over and a few roots here and there. Be prepared to climb up and down about 50 steps into the ravine.
Hike 1 is about 4 miles.
For a 6 mile option we'll reverse direction and repeat the hike and do a few cross trails. Add about 1.5 hours for a 6 mile option.
This hike is cross posted with Chicagoland Trailblazers Hiking Group https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/315738792 and my guest rsvp includes members of the group.
Directions:
We are meeting at the parking lot off of route 71.
There is more than one parking lot and map pin works.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uqmmUx6aCcaUCocK9?g_st=
Address:
8225-IL-71 Yorkville IL-71
Website:
https://www.enjoyaurora.com/Richard-Young-Forest-Preserve