It’s that time of year again – the weather cools, fall colors burst, the bonfire crackles, and the 23rd annual Woods Walk begins. I’m so excited!
For those who live in and near Will County Illinois, the Woods Walk offers a great opportunity to get outside, go hiking, and revel in the splendor of autumn. Every year the Will County Forest Preserve District selects several trails as part of a challenge, and those who complete it get a commemorative medallion; this year it features a fox.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Cost: FREE!!!
- Timeline: September 1st through November 30th
- Requirements: Complete at least 7 of the 10 trails chosen by the forest preserve district (listed below):
- Hammel Woods: 2.5 miles
- Kankakee Sands Preserve: 3 miles
- Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve: 2.5 miles
- Messenger Woods Nature Preserve: 2 miles
- O’Hara Woods Preserve: 2.75 miles
- Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve: 0.5 miles
- Riverview Farmstead Preserve: 1.5 miles
- Rock Run Rookery Preserve: 1 mile
- Theodore Marsh: 2 miles
- Wauponsee Glacial Trail: 1.25 miles
- Proof:
- Submit a paper log by December 7th OR
- Download the Goosechase app and submit your walk electronically. You’ll have to create a free account and search for the Will County Woods Walk Challenge 2025 or enter this code: 1EGVQC
As always, make sure you’re prepared when you go hiking! Bring plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes or boots, and dress in layers. It’s fun to walk with friends and family, but if you choose to walk alone, please let someone know what you’re doing and where you’re going. Maybe even share your location. Keep an eye on the weather as well – this is Illinois, remember? It might be sunny now, but that could change in a heartbeat! Finally, look for the “Woods Walk Start” sign at the trailhead and HAVE FUN!!!
Note: Hubby and I were stoked to hit the O’Hara Woods trail this past weekend and couldn’t find the “Start”. Turns out we parked on the complete opposite side of the preserve and wandered around for about 45 minutes trying to find the trailhead! We got a great hike in, but didn’t get credit because we didn’t see the Goosechase checkin spot and were on the wrong side of the preserve. We’ll be going back for sure. We want that medallion! 🙂 If you’d like to hit this trail my suggestion would be to take Grand Blvd (off of 135th) toward the Romeoville Village Hall and Police Station. Park in the lot directly in front of the Police Station or (if it’s open) the lot just to the west.
Happy Hiking!!!
#reconnectwithnature
#WoodsWalk2025
Wholeness Health and YOU! 