What we’re about
The southwest suburbs are full of wonderful forest preserves, parks and natural areas. I spend a lot of time walking/hiking in them, and I'm sure there are others of you who are retired, working part-time, between jobs or whatever who like to get some outdoor exercise during the week. Let's get together and do some walking!
We usually hike on Tuesday mornings for 1-2 hours, usually between 3 and 5 miles, at a moderate pace. Coffee or lunch afterwards is often an option. Hikes may also be scheduled on other days of the week, along with occasional longer outings to places further away. We may or may not hike year-round, depending on the severity of the weather.
Dogs are not permitted on this group's hikes, unless a special exception is requested and granted or a special "dog-friendly" hike is announced. Several of the places we frequently hike are nature preserves that don't allow dogs. Also, I think it might slow down the group or cause problems if several people bring dogs. Thanks for your cooperation.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Hike Arrowhead Lake to Rubio Woods and return - 5 miles or lessArrowhead Lake, Orland Park, IL$1.00
When this hike starts, it is predicted to be 80 degrees, partially sunny with a 0% chance of rain and 4 mph gentle breeze.
Arrowhead Lake to Rubio Woods and return is an even 5 miles. This is always a crowd-pleaser.
This is a wide paved trail so if you wish to do less mileage, you may turn around at any time and it is impossible to get lost.
Please ignore the map pin and drive to the very end of the parking lot across from beautiful Arrowhead Lake.
Trail map at: FPCC-Tinley-Creek-Trail-Map-10-15.pdf (fpdcc.com)
Southwest Zone Map - Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com) - Hike the Palos Black Trail, around 5-6 milesWolf Road Woods, Palos Park, IL$1.00
Another favorite that we haven't done in quite a while. This is a more challenging hike, many ups and downs and twists and turns, but very fun. We'll start south with a steep downhill on the orange trail, then head east on all or most of the 4.3-mile black trail which winds up and down several ravines. We'll complete the loop back on the crushed stone, easy yellow trail. Wooded except for the final section. Expect around 5.5 - 6 miles, but there are a couple places to cut off the black trail and head back sooner if you (or the group) so choose.
I'm limiting this to 12, first come first served. We don't hike especially fast (around 3 mph) but you'll need to be able to keep up since there are many twists and turns and we won't stop a lot.
When you sign up it will say "unpaid" since you bring the $1 website donation when you get there, not ahead of time online.
Meet in the Wolf Road Woods parking lot, last lot south on Wolf Rd from the 95th St. entrance; refer to the map above or the Cook County Forest Preserve maps:
Palos Trail System Map - Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)Southwest Zone Map - Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)
- Annual Lake Katherine Welcome HikeLake Katherine Nature Center, Palos Heights, IL
This is where our group began all those years ago (2013, I believe), so it has become an annual welcome hike. Come see what we're all about, or come back and renew old friendships! We'll go around Lake Katherine (easy, flat 1-mile loop) and then whoever wants can continue another mile or two on the Cal-Sag Trail (out and back). Great opportunity for new hikers or those who prefer a shorter distance. Optional coffee or brunch afterwards at Lumes Pancake House (just a few minutes away), lumespancakehouse.com, the Plush Horse Ice Cream | The Plush Horse | United States or elsewhere. Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is an 85-acre park that includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, and a 10-acre lake. More info at:
https://www.lakekatherine.org/I won't be collecting the $1 website donation at this hike since it's a welcome for new/returning members.
