Category: Illinois

On March 20 we walked 13 km (return) from McKinley Woods to Moose Island on I&MC trail along Des Plaines River. Not too many signs of spring yet. Beaver at work, squirrels, waterfowl, and what looked from distance like hawk and couple of eagles.

Returned on May 9 to walk 11.5 km (return) west from McKinley Woods past Dresden Island lock. Got a good look at muskrats, wild turkeys, turkey vultures, egrets, geese. We did not see any orioles, but bird-watcher drew our attention to their song coming from the forest.

January 18, April 5 and May 2

Sag Valley Forest Preserve. Two loops in Teason’s Woods: 5.5 km in January, 9.5 km in April  (recommended ) and another 12 km loop in May. Walking for a while on unmarked trails cutting across woods and prairie.

Sag Valley and Palos Forest Preserves trail maps

☞ Our 9.5 km Teason’s Woods trail on wikiloc
☞ Our 5.5 km Teason’s Woods trail on wikiloc
☞ Sag Valley Forest Preserve trail map
☞ Palos Forest Preserve trail maps

 

December 2

Palos Forest Preserve: Maple Lake East-Pulaski Woods East and South.

October 22

Palos Forest Preserve: Spears Woods.

August 18

Herrick Lake and Danada Forest Preserves: Danada-Herrick Lake, Green Heron and Bluebird trails.

Herrick Lake and Danada Forest Preserves trail maps

☞ Herrick Lake trail map
☞ Danda Forest trail map

 

August 4

Palos Forest Preserve: west of Wolf Rd, Bullfrog Lake, Tomahawk Slough.

Lazy hiking: 10 km loop from Iron Bridge trailhead to bison lookout on Rte 53, then Bunker 63 trail and return via Hedgeapple trail. Found a herd of 60-80 bisons near the North-East corner of the pasture along wooded area of Prairie Creek. We come with bikes next time.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie trail map and info

☞ Midewin trail map
☞ Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie