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 (2)
See all- Palos Mystery Hike from Wolf Road Woods, 4+ milesWolf Road Woods, Willow Springs, IL$1.00
As if all this week's confusion wasn't enough, let's try another adventure next week and try not to get lost! This is a new color combination for me. We'll start at Wolf Road Woods and head west on the Orange Trail, then head north on the Blue, connect to the Yellow, and return on either the Orange or the Brown. My guess is it will be at least 4 miles and probably more, not too difficult but probably some hills and challenges and partially unpaved, not a beginner hike. Recommend bringing water. Hopefully someone more familiar with this area (John? George?) will sign up to help me out. I'm limiting this to 15, first come first served, since it's unpaved, winding, and unfamiliar.
Maps: FPCC_Palos_TrailMap_Web_2024
Southwest Zone Map - Forest Preserves of Cook Co - DuPage River Trail at Hammel Woods, 2.5 miles or moreHammel Woods - Route 59 Access, Shorewood, IL$1.00
Another of this year's Will County Forest Preserve Woods Walks. This is a very nice mostly wooded trail with views of the DuPage River. The hike is a roughly 2.5-mile loop on natural surfaces and asphalt. Depending on what the group decides, we can extend it some on either end, there are several options available.
The 445-acre Hammel Woods is part of the DuPage River preservation system. Information and a trail map are available at:
https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/preserves-trails/preserves/hammel-woods/We'll access the trail from the Route 59 access, NOT the Dog Park parking lot. This entrance is located on Rte 59 north of Rte 52/Jefferson St in Shorewood. There are several entrances to, and parking lots for, this preserve, so make sure you follow directions and allow ample time to find us, it's confusing!
Here's the description and map, with starting location, in this year's Woods Walks pdf:
Woods-Walk-Book-2025-WEB.pdf
