23rd Annual Woods Walk Challenge Kicks Off In Will County

WILL COUNTY, IL — Now that meteorological fall is here, Will County residents can celebrate the changing seasons with the 23rd annual Woods Walk challenge, starting Sept. 1, and running through Nov. 30, according to a news release from the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

The program invites people of all ages to explore 10 scenic trails across the county, ranging from a half-mile stroll to a 3-mile adventure.

This year’s Woods Walk trails are as follows:

• Hammel Woods: 2.5 miles
• Kankakee Sands Preserve: 3 miles
• Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve: 2.5 miles
• Messenger Woods Nature Preserve: 2 miles
• O’Hara Woods Preserve: 2.75 miles
• Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve: 0.5 miles
• Riverview Farmstead Preserve: 1.5 miles
• Rock Run Rookery Preserve: 1 mile
• Theodore Marsh: 2 miles
• Wauponsee Glacial Trail: 1.25 miles

Hikers who complete at least seven trails will receive a 2025 Woods Walk hiking medallion featuring a fox, the preserve said. To log walks, you can use the free Goosechase app on your smartphone. Simply search for the 2025 Will County Woods Walk Challenge or use the code 1EGVQC.

Travel log booklets can be downloaded online or picked up at select Forest Preserve visitor centers when they are open. Don’t forget to log your walks as you go, the preserve said. The deadline to submit a completed travel log is Dec. 7.

Em Wilcher, the Forest Preserve's recreation coordinator, said Woods Walk endures because of its simplicity and its focus on fall.

“With Woods Walk, we know the change of season will come and the trees will be beautiful, no matter how green they still look, or if they’re in their fall colors, or if weather brings the leaves down early in the season," she said in a release. "Making a point to get out and enjoy a relief from the hot weather and enjoy nature is always a gift in the fall.”

This year’s lineup also makes room for Messenger Woods Nature Preserve before its access road closes for repairs in the spring.

“I’m hoping everyone who is able to enjoy a walk there this fall will really go savor the woods before the project kicks off. Just be sure to take it slow on the road.”

No registration is required. Funding for Woods Walk has been provided by The Nature Foundation of Will County.