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 (1)
See all- Annual Eagle Hike at McKinley WoodsMcKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove, Channahon, IL$1.00
Note that this hike is on a THURSDAY morning and has a 10:15 start time (since the Visitors Center isn't open on Tuesdays and doesn't open until 10 am). As the rivers freeze over, bald eagles head to the open waters of Four Rivers. We'll check in at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center to see if they have recommendations on where we might spot them (no guarantees!). Then we'll hike on the easy, wooded 2-mile path with stops near the rivers to look for ourselves.
Bring binoculars just in case! Recommend yak-trax or other traction cleats, and/or trekking poles, if it seems the trails could be slippery and snowy.
This hike takes place at McKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove in Channahon. Make sure you're going to Kerry Sheridan Grove, there are two different sections of McKinley Woods! We'll meet in the Visitors Center, so park in the LAST parking lot, down at the end, instead of the first one where we've met before.
Afterwards, stay and warm up and check out the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, info here:
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center | Forest Preserve District of Will CountyMore info and driving directions are available here, just enter the name of the preserve:
Forest Preserve District of Will County (reconnectwithnature.org)This outing is likely to take place even if the weather isn't great, since we can mostly stay indoors and just venture out close to the Visitors Center. Even so, check back here (and I'll email responders) if it is especially inclement.
For anyone who wants more info about the eagles, Four Rivers will host its annual Eagle Watch event on Saturday, Jan. 11 with multiple opportunities for guided hikes, live bird presentations, family activities and more. Info at:
Bring your eagle eyes to Four Rivers for annual Eagle Watch celebration | Forest Preserve District of Will County There are numerous other public programs offered there as well.
