Hike Blackwell forest and McKee Marsh, 7 miles, option for just under 4 miles
Details
I haven't done this section of Blackwell since August 2022! I'm hosting two hikes this weekend and this is hike one.
Sunday's hike is posted at https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/307630340
Due to Spring gardening time constraints I'm unable to host a hike in WI on 05/18. I will host a hike in WI on 06/01, one that Jasmin told me about and it sounds great!
This hike is cross posted with the Trailblazers hiking group and my guest rsvp includes members of the group www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/307349300
Hike Summary:
Easy flat hike on well groomed trails
Hike 1: 3.75 miles
Follow the trail to Mack road. Once at Mack road part of the group can turn around and head back for total of 3.75 miles. If Mount Hoy is open I'll include it in the hike. Springbrook Creek flows thru here and by now I think that the re-construction project to make Springbrook Creek meander differently is complete.
It will be nice to see what improvements they have made to it. Portions of this trail looked like a major muddy construction zone in 2021 which is why I chose not to visit for so long.
Hike 2: 7 miles cumulative
Cross over Mack road and enter northern Blackwell into McKee Marsh. This loop adds about 3 miles.
The trails will range from fine course limestone to hard flat dirt to shortly mowed grassy surface. They are at minimum 8 feet wide and max out at 12+ feet. Areas are multi purpose including horse and bike. Its an ever changing landscape that ranges from pretty forest to pretty meadows and within each of those, the flora changes.
Location:
Do not enter Blackwell Forest into Google maps, it may take you to the wrong entrance. We are meeting in the parking lot off of Butterfield Road.
Its on the North side of Butterfield road about 1/2 mile east of route 59 and about .3 miles west of Winfield road.
Hike Blackwell forest and McKee Marsh, 7 miles, option for just under 4 miles