Trail #3: Got it!
If you’re looking for a smooth, paved, and fairly level trail with an occasional slightly rolling hill – this is for you. Hubby and I have been here before and decided we’d ride our bikes rather than walk. According to Will County Forest Preserve District, this is a 2.75 mile trail. The Woods Walk markers guide you along the route and, if you follow the arrows, you’ll accomplish that. Here’s the fun part: with multiple roundabouts that connect all the trails, you can easily extend your adventure and explore other areas. We easily did 5.5 miles on our bikes. If you’re a runner this is a great way to fit in a medium or long run. One word of caution: there is absolutely no shade on this trail. My suggestion would be to tackle this one on a cooler day, maybe even overcast, lube up with sunscreen, and bring plenty of water! (I know I sound like a broken record with the whole ‘bring water’ thing, but it’s extremely important!!!)
This preserve is located on Renwick Road, east of Weber Road. It’s easily accessible with a stop light and a big sign. Take the driveway past the first parking lot to the back of the preserve. There’s a larger lot next to the pavilion and the trailhead begins near the little plaza area. If you’re up for a longer expedition, follow the Woods Walk signs to the Goosechase check-in point, get credit for your hike, then meander along the rest of the trail for a little extra boost. To the north of the area is an industrial business park and Lewis University Airport. If you’re there long enough you’ll be able to watch the planes come in. 🙂 At the far east end of the preserve there is a baseball field complex and community building. Just past that you’ll be able to see the Lockport Fire Station as well as Prairie Bluff Golf Course. To the south is Division Street where you can clearly see Stateville. They must have had target practice going on the day we were there because, for a short while, we could hear the periodic bursts of gunfire. LOL And finally, if you take the path all the way to the west, you’ll enter a residential area.
This is one of our favorite trails because it’s so easy to access, it’s paved, and along the way we encounter pretty prairie flowers and grasses as well as birds flitting from plant to plant. It’s pretty far removed from too much traffic noise too so it’s peaceful. The pavilion is a great place to take a break after your adventure and take it all in. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Happy trails!
#woodswalk2026
#prairiebluffpreserve
#reconnectwithnature
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