Woods Walk

Event details

This ongoing program runs from Tuesday, Sept. 1, to Monday, Nov. 30.

Get out on the trail and enjoy the changing of the seasons with the 24th annual Woods Walk challenge!  Experience 10 beautiful Will County trails during their fall splendor. Trails range from 0.5 to 4.25 miles in length, and each trail offers its own unique experience. 

This year’s featured trails are as follows: 

• 1.25 miles at Hidden Oaks Preserve 
• 0.5 miles at Keepataw Preserve 
• 2.75 miles at Prairie Bluff Preserve
• 2 miles at Rock Run Preserve — Paul V. Nichols
• 2.5 miles at Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
• 3.5 miles at Hickory Creek Preserve — Hickory Creek Barrens
• 2 miles at Plum Valley Preserve 
• 1.5 miles at McKinley Woods — Kerry Sheridan Grove 
• 2.25 miles at Monee Reservoir 
• 4.25 miles at Forked Creek Preserve – Ballou Road Access 

Don’t forget to log your walks as you go. To participate, download the Goosechase app and search for Woods Walk once the program begins. The app will allow you to virtually track your walks. You can also track walks using a hard copy travel log that can be picked up from the following Forest Preserve visitor centers: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon; Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook; Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville; Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township; and Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet. 

Complete seven of the 10 Woods Walk trails and receive a 2026 Woods Walk hiking medallion. The deadline for submitting a completed travel log is Monday, Dec. 7. 

Event requirements

No registration 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.