Woods Walk

Event information

Photo by Anthony Schalk

Event details

This ongoing program runs from Sunday, Sept. 1, through Saturday, Nov. 30. 

Get out on the trail and enjoy the changing of the seasons with the 22nd annual Woods Walk challenge! Experience 10 beautiful Will County trails during their fall splendor:

• Forsythe Woods Nature Trail at Forked Creek Preserve – Forsythe Woods: 0.5 mile*
• Evans-Judge Nature Trail Loop at Evans-Judge Preserve: 1.5 miles
• Spring Creek Greenway Trail at Messenger Marsh: 2.2 miles*.
• Plum Creek Greenway Trail at Goodenow Road Access: 2.2 miles
• Hickory Creek Bikeway and LaPorte Road Nature Trail at Hickory Creek Preserve – La Porte Road Access: 2.2 miles*
• Wauponsee Glacial Trail at Sugar Creek Preserve: 2.6 miles*
• Normantown Trail at Vermont Cemetery Preserve: 2.9 miles
• Rock Run Greenway Trail at Hammel Woods – DuPage River Access: 3.2 miles*
• Old Plank Road Trail at Washington Street Access: 3.2 miles*
• Spring Creek Greenway Trail at Hadley Valley – Bruce Road Access: 4.4 miles*

*Starred trails feature routes that are easily extended to lengthen your walk. View details on Goosechase or in the Woods Walk booklet.

Don’t forget to log your walks as you go. To participate, pick up a Woods Walk travel log on or after Sept. 1 online or at select Forest Preserve visitor centers, including Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville, Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township and Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. Returning this year is the option to track and log walks easily and conveniently using the Goosechase app. Complete seven of the 10 Woods Walk trails and receive a 2024 Woods Walk hiking medallion.

You can get more information about Woods Walk and this year's selected trails from our interactive GIS map.  

The deadline to submit a completed travel log is Sunday, Dec. 8.

Funding for Woods Walk has been generously provided by The Nature Foundation of Will County.

Event requirements

No registration is required. 

The trails included in the program are asphalt, limestone or natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering or submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.