Bluebell Hike in Naperville, 7 miles with option for 4 at Knoch Knolls!

04/25 Update:
The lot holds about 65 vehicles.
Overflow parking is available in residential neighborhood at
2808 Scottsbridge road less than one quarter mile away.

Nature center is to the left after you park here, walk down
the side walk only .22 miles

Located on the first side street north of the nature center.
Please see picture for details.

We'll leave by 9:15.
You will find us if you remember RIVER and RIGHT!
Cross the big metal bridge over DuPage RIVER and make an immediate RIGHT.
Stay on the trail that's right next to the river. We'll stop for a picture shortly into the hike and for sure you'll catch up with us.

Tick season has arrived, you may wish to bring spray and check for ticks after the hike.

Bathrooms are at the side of the nature center.

Optional post hike dog friendly lunch
Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar
436 Illinois Rte Naperville
https://orders.lazydogrestaurants.com/order/naperville?utm_source=lazydog&utm_medium=locationpage
We have a reservation on a heated patio and dogs welcome. Separate checks ok.

This is hike one of a two hike weekend, both featuring bluebells!
Hike two on Sunday will be in Joliet in Pilcher Park Nature preserve. To rsvp visit https://www.meetup.com/chicagohos/events/307297133

Bluebells were amazing on 04/28/24 and would like to get it on the schedule for peak time next year.

My son and I discovered this area in October 2020 and were very surprised! Its a gem right in Naperville. This is where the East and West branches of the DuPage river meet.

Hike 1: 4 miles
From the past two years I know that bluebells are in full bloom and dense! This hike has no elevation changes, its flat. The trails are unlevel in some areas and will be over a variety of surfaces. We'll be on hard packed dirt, very narrow single track packed down hay, grass, and small portions concrete (less than .5 miles). The hike will be in both wooded areas and some open areas along the East branch. We'll stop by the confluence of the East and West branch of the DuPage river.
Back to the parking lot after hike 1.

Hike 2: 3 miles (7 total)
The hike will also include packed dirt and narrow trails. Its heavily forested in certain sections. These don't have bluebells but do have May Apples, purple violets and a few yellow ones. Other wildflowers include false mermaid weed, and cut-leaved toothwort. The trails are shared by mountain bikes.

Location
320 Knoch Knolls Road
Naperville

Directions
GPS will take you there, just be sure that you arrive at Knoch Knolls Park and not the sports center.

Where to meet
Meet in front of the information sign near the big bridge in the parking lot. We'll start walking at 9:15.

Websites
https://napervilleparks.org/knochknollsnaturecenter

This hike is cross posted with Trailblazers Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/300873084
and my guest RSVP includes members of that group.