With such beautiful weather this past weekend, Hubby and I decided to hit the Woods Walk trails and knocked out two of them: one on Saturday and the other on Sunday.
On Saturday, we hopped over to the Lake Renwick Heron Rookery: Heron Rookery Trail and Turtle Lake Loop. Turtle Lake is one of our favorite haunts – has been for years – but the trailhead for the challenge is off of Renwick Rd. in Plainfield, not Lockport St. The walk is about 2.5 miles total and offers cool views of the lakes plus the heron “apartments”. The rookery portion of the trail is closed during breeding season, usually early March through mid-August so it was nice to be able to meander along and look at the lake. We didn’t see any herons, unfortunately, but there were a few wading birds at Turtle Lake. For those who are looking for a fairly easy hike, this one’s for you. The rookery trail is crushed limestone and the Turtle Lake Loop is paved with a slight elevation. My selfie is at the trailhead . . . should’ve taken it before we worked up a sweat! Eek!
On Sunday we decided to visit Hammel Woods: DuPage River Trail. Make sure you check your map before you go. You’ll need to enter the preserve from Rte. 59, then follow the narrow winding road all the way down to the kayak launch. (You’re there when you reach the small circle drive and see the wooden bridge.) We really like this trail because of all the tree cover and it’s especially beautiful a bit later in the season when the leaves have changed. (I have some awesome pictures from a couple of years ago!) You can also veer off a bit and stand on the bank of the DuPage River and be soothed by the sound of the water. Further along the trail, at the Goosechase check-in, we were surprised to see that part of the trail was closed due to renovations or construction of some kind so it tells you to turn around. On their map it says it’s about a 2.5 mile trek, however MapMyRun gave us a total of about 3. Either way it’s a beautiful way to spend an afternoon and this path is completely paved as well – great for strollers, pets, and those who just like want to enjoy non-strenuous exercise. I didn’t take a picture of this one. One goofy selfie is enough . . .
Not sure where we’re going next but you can be sure I’ll report on it and give some tips and info in case you’d like to venture out for a walk.
Until then, happy hiking!
#reconnectwithnature
#WoodsWalk2025
Wholeness Health and YOU! 