Forest Preserve’s ‘Woods Walk’ Hiking Challenge Kicks Off Sept. 1

Stretch your legs and soak in the fall scenery during the return of the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s popular “Woods Walk” hiking challenge.

The self-paced program kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 1, and runs through Tuesday, Nov. 30. Complete seven of the 10 pre-selected “Woods Walk” trails to receive a 2021 hiking medallion. Or hike all 10 for fitness and fun!

“Our annual Woods Walk program is a fantastic way to explore the county’s many trails,” said Jen Guest, the Forest Preserve’s recreation coordinator. “This year we really have a great mix of natural surface trails and hard surface trails. Each trail will lead you into nature to explore and be active.”

The “Woods Walk” program is perfect for beginners because all the trail sections included in the program are well marked, Guest added.

To participate in the free, all ages program, pick up a “Woods Walk” travel log on or after Sept. 1 at one of five visitor centers: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Monee Reservoir in Monee Township, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township and Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet.

Or visit the Forest Preserve’s website, ReconnectWithNature.org, beginning Sept. 1 to access the log online.

This year's “Woods Walk” trails are:

• Mokena: Hickory Creek Bikeway to Old Plank Road Trail, Hickory Creek Junction, 3.22 miles round trip
• Plainfield: Lake Renwick Bikeway, Lake Renwick Preserve – Turtle Lake Access, 3.6 miles round trip
• Custer Township, south of Wilmington: Evans-Judge Nature Trail, Evans-Judge Preserve: 1.5 miles round trip
• Naperville: Normantown Trail, Vermont Cemetery Preserve, 2.95 miles round trip
• Crete Township near Beecher: Scout Trail to Plum Creek Greenway Trail, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 1.5-mile loop
• Joliet/New Lenox: Spring Creek Greenway Trail, Hadley Valley – Gougar Road Access, 2.62 miles round trip
• Manhattan and Manhattan Township: Wauponsee Glacial Trail – Manhattan Road Access, 3.4 miles round trip
• Park Forest and University Park: Thorn Creek Nature Preserve Trail, Thorn Creek Nature Preserve, 1.95 miles round trip
• Crest Hill/Joliet: Rock Run Greenway Trail, Theodore Marsh, 2.93 miles round trip
• Channahon: Trail of the Old Oaks, McKinley Woods – Frederick’s Grove, 1.5 miles round trip

Participants are encouraged to bring their binoculars, field guides and cameras. If you snap some great nature shots during your "Woods Walk" treks, consider sharing them on social media or entering them into the Forest Preserve District’s Preserve the Moment photo contest, which has monthly winners and runs through Dec. 31.

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.