Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area - 3.75, 4.5 & 7.25 options

Meeting Spot
Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
Brushwood Center Parking Lot
42°10'42.8"N 87°54'46.3"W
https://goo.gl/maps/MRAvLamBodcnYdSH6?g_st=ac

Alternative Parking for late arrivals after 10:15 a.m.:
42°10'42.8"N 87°54'46.3"W
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gbZPyiEuvkj4QpPp6?g_st=acOptional

Lunch Afterwards
TBD

Parking
Plenty of parking in lot. If you are late park in "alternative parking" listed above under Meeting Spot and we can meet you near the beginning of the hike, about 10:35-10:40 a.m., about 1 mile into the hike.

Bathrooms
There are bathrooms at the parking lot, and we will pass by this area twice during the hike.

Hike Description
There will be a 3.75-mile, 4.5-mile, and 7.25-mile options. I will announce the way back to the parking lot along the way. Part of the hike will loop back along the river to get a second view the other direction. Both shorter (one pass through) and longer (two passes through) options will get good views along the Des Plaines River. We will hike at a 2.5-3 mile per hour pace. We will depart at 10:15 a.m. with whoever has arrived, but an option to catch us at the "alternative parking" is listed above for those who are running late. The route will have some crushed gravel and mostly dirt trails. This is a relatively flat hike with tree lined coverage and bridges at the creek crossings. This is a beginner hike.
I have hiked this park several times a year with friends and alone. There are benches along the way to enjoy the river or forest views and read a book.