Joliet, IL — Will County residents can welcome the fall season with the 23rd annual Woods Walk challenge, which begins Monday, Sept. 1, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 30.
According to the Forest Preserve District of Will County, this year’s program invites hikers of all ages to explore 10 designated trails, ranging from a half-mile to three miles in length. Participants who complete at least seven of the trails will receive a 2025 Woods Walk hiking medallion featuring a fox.
This year’s trail lineup includes Hammel Woods, Kankakee Sands Preserve, Lake Renwick Heron Rookery, Messenger Woods, O’Hara Woods, Raccoon Grove, Riverview Farmstead, Rock Run Rookery, Theodore Marsh and the Wauponsee Glacial Trail. The variety allows participants to choose between short strolls or longer excursions across the county’s preserves.
Hikers can log their progress by downloading a travel log booklet beginning at 7 a.m. on Sept. 1 or by using the free Goosechase smartphone app, which features an interactive map of all routes. Completed logs must be submitted by Sunday, Dec. 7.
Visitor centers distributing travel log booklets will have modified holiday hours. The Sugar Creek Administration Center in Joliet will be closed Sept. 1 for Labor Day, reopening Tuesday, Sept. 2. The Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook, Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville and Plum Creek Nature Center in Crete Township will open Wednesday, Sept. 3, after the holiday.
Em Wilcher, the Forest Preserve’s recreation coordinator, said the program remains popular because it encourages people to embrace the changing seasons. “Making a point to get out and enjoy a relief from the hot weather and enjoy nature is always a gift in the fall,” Wilcher said.
No registration is required, and the program is supported by The Nature Foundation of Will County.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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