Trail #6: We’re getting there! Woot! Woot!
What a fun trail! Fully paved. Almost completely level. Some shade. Mostly open. We had a great time!
Hubby and I decided to try our luck with the McKinley Woods trail and we weren’t disappointed. We had beautiful weather for it too! The trail is completely paved which is ideal for anyone with wheels or isn’t looking for anything too taxing. It’s a really wide path as well so there’s plenty of room for everyone. Much of the trail is in the open but there are areas that have a bit of shade as well. The trail itself is said to be 1.5 miles but we kind of wandered off course at one point, just to see where the spur led, and ended up repeating part of the loop which lengthened our hike to about 2.3 miles.
I didn’t realize it but the entire trail is on Moose Island on the DesPlaines River. If you’re going to visit, make sure you map your route first. We aren’t familiar with Channahon and we really had to pay attention to street signs, especially since the Kerry Sheridan Grove portion is kind of tucked away from the busier main streets. Once you get there, go to the second parking lot, just a little bit past the smaller lot, and around the curve. We pulled into the first lot not knowing there was another one which is why I think we were confused at the beginning because we couldn’t find the “WoodsWalk Start” sign.
In addition to the water views and tall prairie grasses, there’s a pavilion for gatherings as well as the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. We didn’t go inside (we weren’t sure if it was actually open) but took the loop around it and admired how cute it was. If you’re interested in visiting, just check the website for hours of operation.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, quiet, make-it-as-long-as-you-want kind of experience, consider McKinley Woods. I imagine that once the fall colors really set it in, it would be even prettier than our visit. It’s the kind of place where you can wander undisturbed, just breathe deeply, and enjoy.
Happy hiking!
#woodswalk2026
#mckinleywoods
#reconnectwithnature
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