About us
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
- $1.00
Joliet Ironworks and the I&M Canal Trail, 3 miles
Joilet Illinois Iron Works Parking Lot, Iron Works Park, 31 Columbia St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA, Joliet, IL, USWe visited the historic Joliet Iron Works last November; let's return to explore some more! We'll spend some time on the paved interpretive trail, Joliet Iron Works Historic Site | Forest Preserve District of Will County. This was the site of an iron manufacturing facility from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Cultural resources protected at the preserve include foundations of the blast furnaces and other structures from the dismantled factory.
Then we'll head north up the I&M Canal Towpath toward Lockport, out then back. I plan to do the Woods Walk round trip, which is about 3 miles, though those who would like can do a longer round trip (to and from Dellwood Park is about 6 miles). This is an easy, flat, crushed stone trail, and it looks like there are restrooms available. I'll be collecting $1 each, to give to Terry towards our Meetup subscription.
20 attendees - $1.00
Hike the Orland Grasslands, a paved, fairly flat, 5-mile Loop.
Orland Grasslands, 167th St. and LaGrange Rd., Orland Park, IL, USThe weather on Thursday is expected to be 90% cloud cover, about 57 degrees, winds of about 10 mph and a very low chance of rain. This sounds like a nice day for a hike. I know some of us do not care for the Grasslands since the trees were largely removed, but the temperature should be ideal and there will be very little direct sun.
This easy, flat, paved, 5-mile loop runs through mostly prairie, but has a few wooded areas left too. If you prefer a shorter hike, there's a cut-off to make it a bit shorter, about 3.5 miles, but it is not paved and is apt to be muddy due to the recent rains. The shortcut also harbors quite a lot of ticks.
The parking lot is on the south side of 167th St., just west of LaGrange Road.
I would recommend bringing bug spray, and water.
Here is an online map of the preserve: https://map.fpdcc.com/#/?search=orland+grassland
7 attendees - $1.00
Hike Country Lane Woods from Little Red Schoolhouse
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL, USAnother group favorite. The trail is mostly paved (or crushed stone), and it starts/ends at an indoor nature center with real flush toilets. Please note that we're starting from the Little Red Schoolhouse parking lot rather than the Country Lane Woods parking lot.
We'll take the yellow trail east and north up around the loop, cutting off back to the Country Lane Woods parking lot and down the tan trail for around 3.5 miles. Those who wish can continue up and around a larger loop to add one or more miles. This is a very nice, wide, mostly flat crushed limestone trail.
Trail map at:
Palos Trail System Map - Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)Region map at:
Southwest Zone Map - Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center - Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)
9 attendees
Past events
855
