This is a really nice trail that runs near the I&M Canal. This trail head is right off of Romeo…read moreRoad with a little parking area for your convenience. The path is a few miles long and paved so almost everyone on it totes their bikes along. I bring my son here quite a bit to walk since the paved trail is easier for him and the head is right next to an old bridge over a marsh. The rail runs right through lush woods so it's a nice cool walk. We have seen deer here too so there is always something to look for. We really enjoy it.

I've had this trail on my to-do list for a few years and finally made my way down on an upper…read more70's-degree, bright sunny Saturday. I started at the west end, biked to the east end at Willow Springs, and did the full loop for about 25 miles. This trail rides like a straight road that offers little resistance. Yes, there are bends and turns along the length of the trail, but there's not a single spot on this path that really slows you down. The trail is entirely asphalt, and in some places, pure road. All bikers will find this trail user friendly. The asphalt itself is in great shape. Most of it appears to be newer, and the trail is very well taken care of. About the only drawback I saw: the trail becomes a road that shares space with semi's and other large trucks for about a mile. I didn't have any troubles back here, but when a truck drives by, you're going to get some dirt kicked up into the air. Didn't care for that. I parked at the west end which had a bathroom, signage and some seating. I didn't notice many benches on the trail but a 3ft cement wall that resides in many places along it would make for a good stopping point for those who need a rest. All in all this is a nice trail, especially if you're looking to go fast. In terms of site-seeing, I was a little surprised that you're siloed on this path and really don't see much of the surroundings while on the trail. Only a couple spots offer a view. Happy trails.

For those of you that are touched by the creatures this world still has to offer and for those of…read moreyou who choose to teach your kids that there is something mystical about how creatures find their way in this world, then this is a place to be had. The Heron Rookery is a true must see. But, I learned just in time you have to hit it (for its full effect) at very particular times. This year, on last years recommendation of my Yelp friend Robert, I hit this place within the time frame of the breeding season of these beautiful birds. And, having done so, the visitor centers guides made sure I didn't miss a thing. Although there are a variety of small wetlands in the burbs that play home to groups of migratory herons and egrets, this place, I was told is considered major league. The nesting islands are well protected, the peeps get the privacy and security they need and we, the general public, get acre on acre of peace and the opportunity to visualize what is unmistakeably innate. If you go, try to get in "this window" and join one of their interpretive hikes. It's beautiful, no matter the weather and the experience itself will put everything else in your life in complete perspective. The preserve, I found, has additional hours too ... you can even enjoy sunset ... and there are other venues in the preserve that are a little less restrictive. Make the time, take the trip, and the herons will take care of the rest. Awesome.

My wife and I love this area for taking peaceful walks, and we especially love when we come across…read morethe deer, if you're calm and quiet enough, they will not run away!

Take a hike! See some waterfalls! Temper your expectations regarding the latter. This isn't Niagara…read moreFalls we're talking about, but once you reach the falls, it's a nice respite from all the noise in the world. Depending on the season and time of year you visit, you can walk across this small waterway, trek through some woods, hear pleasing bird calls, but be sure to wear some good shoes. The path is dog-friendly and I see dogs enjoying the water more than the owners. So what are you waiting for?

Well maintained. Not too crowded…read more Challenging enough on a bike for me. Beautiful and well maintained trails that are well marked. Love it. If you're out of shape this place can whip you back into shape if you let it.

Talk about quaint environments and pleasant walks. This is a go to. Year round this place to enjoy…read moreyour day with friends, family or the special someone.

I love hiking here on a spring, summer or fall day. This is a Moderate hiking course on an unpaved…read morepath. So prepare as far as shoes goes. This path is dog friendly and horse friendly. There are little rest areas with benches along the way. They even have a water bottle filling station. Over all this hiking path is a little under 3miles but had a great intensity level with a beautiful view

I took my daughter there for a new fishing spot. The park district ranger was so helpful and…read moreinformative. They are very kid-friendly and thoughtful. The area is well-maintained.

Hidden Lakes really got run downed. All the lakes are over grown & dirty. You can't even fish…read morethere. A real shame!

Great little "getaway" park! It has fishing, a separate dog park area, places to BBQ and hiking…read moretrails. The Dock is handicapped accessible and a good place to fish. You can also walk around the entire water source. The pond/small lake has northern pike, rock bass, blue gill, smallmouth bass, turtles, and bullfrogs. Super clean park and well cared for pavilion and picnic areas. Also has facilities for those needing a bio break!

Cute park with a dock for fishing or just checking out the little blue gills and turtles. There is…read morea small covered picinic area, baseball diamond and jungle gym. Dog park was spacious for our dog to run wild!

I've been heading to Dellwood for close to 6 years now, and I always look forward to digging…read morethrough the crazy big disc selection and seeing everyone working that day. I still bag molds that Sean (the owner) recommended back when I showed up to the shop for my first time back when I was learning. Early on I used to order discs online, but stopped years ago because being able to pick out a stamp and weight you like is a much better experience overall. It's also nice to support a local business. The shop also puts on a ton of really awesome events throughout the year that bring out a great community. If you get a chance, I highly recommend showing up to at least one of them. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be able to regularly hit the shop and get a round in at The Canyons. Forever my favorite shop, and I'll forever plaster by bag and truck with stickers and patches.

A pretty big park is in Lockport and has lots of room for various activities and fun. Dellwood Park…read morehas athletic fields for baseball and more. It also has areas for recreation. Has a disc golf course. There's fun here for any season. First looking at this park it doesn't seem as big. It actually is pretty deceiving as it goes back a long ways from the road. The entrance road twists around various athletic fields and parking lots taking you through. Best thing here apparently is the disc golf. It's often the reason people come here. The Canyons is what it's called, and people are always here tossing frisbees and having a good time. It seems difficult. This isn't for beginner or casual players. A lot of opportunities to have fun. It's best known for disc golf. There's facilities for other types of sports too.

We visited this forest preserve, specifically Bull frog Lake for a snowshoeing experience with REI…read morelast weekend! As co-op members they have a bunch of fun outdoor adventures to go on. We met in the parking lot and found the REI van where they were handing out equipment and paperwork for our little adventure. Fred and Amy were their names I think and they were awesome! They did a great job leading and welcoming our group. They had great communication prior to our experience and gave us tips on what to wear and how to prepare before snowshoeing. There were only eight people allowed in the group and everyone was wearing masks. OK onto the actual snowshoeing. The equipment that we were able to rent for the day was good quality and we found out that the snow shoes that we used were over $200 if you want to buy. We dressed really warm, maybe too warm because we were sweating by the end of the hike. Our group had a diverse age range from people in their 20s too people in their what looked like 70s. There was even a kid under the age of 10 too! Snowshoeing was a lot easier than we were expecting and ended up being a really fun workout. Like I said it was great for all ages and will definitely warm you up on a 10° day! Try it out!

Palos Preserves has a lot going on. You can fish; in fact, I saw a few people doing that. There…read morewere several people biking through the preserves (some casual, some much more hard core). Walking trails, which is what I was using with the group I was in. Of course, Camp Bullfrog is a major attraction at this site, situated on Bullfrog Lake; you can rent paces for camping anywhere from 2 or 3 days up to 10 days per month. And there's also picnic groves around the place too. There are a few port-a-potties, and there may be an actual restroom with flush toilets a bit southwest of Bullfrog Lake; I forgot to check. Nearby are Sagawau Nature Center and the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, amongst other places. Palos is an International Dark Sky location, so the Forest Preserve District of Cook County sometimes has programs here. There's some hilliness here, and some of the areas I was in were not accessible--though it's possible the campsite is. You should contact them if you are in need of an accessible place to recreate.

The first course I learned to play disc golf many years ago and still have a blast every time!…read moreChallenging obstacles like weaving through trees, not losing discs in large weed filled holes, and longer holes in general. Walk towards the upper hill where you'll find a fun bridge to cross the water and climb stairs to the top. There's a great BBQ fun for the fam or hanging with friends. This park is also great for hiking. There's a great trail through the woods. Beautiful flowers with a large field and unique trees to walk or bike through. Overall, clean and fun park for a nature escape or game of disc golf. Last note, dogs are welcome as lone as they're on a leash. So great outdoor escape for all people and their furry friend!

Manageable trails for nature hike with shade and sun. Very kid friendly! Found historic plaques…read morewith interesting facts of founders. Good signage so you don't wander off. Will go back for a walk in treed area.

This was a very nice little park, if one that has few amenities to offer the visitor. There is a…read morevery nice covered shelter that one can use for parties or picnics or family get-togethers, but remember that you must reserve the space with the Cook County Forest Preserve peeps. Don't just show up and assume it's first-come-first-served ... it isn't. It is a reserved space. There is enough room to play catch and maybe hit the ball around, but essentially you have to bring in to the park any amusement you seek - they really don't offer any extras. One day, maybe the Cook County Forest Preserve chiefs will cut a few walking/jogging/hiking trails through the area - that would be a nice and easy-to-add extra. This little preserve is a stand-alone operation with a parking lot. If you are looking for Tampier Lake - it is about a block away across the street ... that is where you get boats and the like. There is none of that here. But with all that said, this was a nice little hideaway. Try it.

If your going there to fish it's fair just stick to shore fishing as the boat rentals aren't worth…read moreit and it's just better from the shore in my opinion, best time to go is during the week as weekends tend to get pretty crowded but overall it's a nice place to go fish and relax