Pop-Up Snow Shoe, Winter Hikes Planned At Hidden Oaks

BOLINGBROOK, IL — As winter approaches, several different activities are offered at preserves around Will County.

This year, pop-up programs will even be offered, when conditions are right, at Hidden Oaks in Bolingbrook.

"Staff at that site plan to offer guided snowshoe hikes and winter exploration hikes when there is enough snow to make it a go," the preserve said in a release.

Elsewhere in Will County, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on many preserve trails.

Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township offers a popular, 40-foot high sledding hill. You can bring your own tube or plastic sled, or rent a tube from the preserve for $2 per day.

Ice skating is allowed on a pond near the nature center as well. Ice thickness is checked daily during the winter, the preserve said.

Forked Creek Preserve - Butcher Lane Access in Wilmington also offers a sledding hill, according to the preserve. This area is not supervised, so visitors must bring their own equipment to this natural hill.