We could all use a little TLC from Mother Nature right about now. Luckily, Chicagoland is teeming with plenty of trails and preserves.
“We strongly believe our open lands are more important now than ever,” said Daniel Hebreard, president of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. “If you are feeling well and practicing the CDC’s prevention strategies, it is scientifically proven that immersing yourself in nature for just five minutes improves one’s mood and reduces stress.”
The great outdoors is no misnomer.
“We have been encouraging social distancing since 1915,” Hebreard said. “Our nearly 26,000 acres provide the perfect places for seeing some of the most beautiful spots in the state.”
And here’s a word you don’t hear a lot lately — open.
“The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is open — all trails and parking areas (to residents),” Hebreard said. “All buildings and bathrooms are closed to the public at this time. We plan to continue having our trails open.”
While Illinois state parks have been shuttered due to the COVID-19 crisis, thankfully many local trails and parks offer a place of refuge, perfect places to enjoy some fresh air, exercise and beautiful scenery.
“If you are following guidelines, our preserves offer a reminder of the home we have for all of the fantastic flora and fauna in our region,” Hebreard said. “Visiting these areas, even for a short time, will help relieve anxiety and improve your mental wellbeing. And during springtime, they are teeming with life, a good reminder that we will get through this.”
In DuPage forest preserves alone, there are 166 miles of trails.
“I’ll be spending some time at Greene Valley (in Naperville) enjoying the variety that the 11 miles of trails offer to our community,” Hebreard said. “McDowell Grove is another treasure, and of course, we have an award-winning state nature preserve at Springbrook Prairie that is perfect for birding.”
Like DuPage, the Forest Preserve Districts of Kane; Lake, Illinois; and Lake, Indiana; are keeping their trails and parking lots open, though you will find restrooms and playgrounds closed. Many DuPage parking lots are for residents only. Will County is reopening parking lots on May 1 after closing them in March.
There also are some fantastic regional trails to explore.
Greene Valley Forest Preserve
Trailhead: Greene Road one-quarter mile south of 79th Street in Naperville
Information: dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/greene-valley
Fox River Trail
Built on the path of three former railroads, the 44.6-mile Fox River Trail runs from Oswego to Algonquin. You can jump on this river-hugging trail many places along the way, including Aurora, North Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, South Elgin, Elgin and East Dundee.
Trailheads: Washington Street and S. Harrison Street in Oswego and Souwanas Trail and Scott Street in Algonquin
Information: traillink.com/trail/fox-river-trail-(il)
Des Plaines River Trail
The entire trail encompasses 56.2 miles in Lake and Cook counties. In Lake County, Illinois, the Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway stretches 31.4 miles, winding through 12 forest preserves and protecting the land along more than 76 percent of the river in the county. From the river’s edge at Russell Road in Wadsworth, the trail winds south to Lake Cook Road where it hooks up with the Cook County Forest Preserve trail system.
Trailheads: Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve entrance on Russell Road/County Road 19, Wadsworth; Jerome Huppert Woods Forest Preserve near IL 64 and IL 171, River Grove
Information: lcfpd.org/dprt/
Palos Trail System
Nestled the southwest suburbs of Hickory Hills, Justice, Palos Hills and Willow Springs, the 42.1-mile Palos Trail System offers off-road trails — unlike most trails in the region — snaking through rolling hills and deep ravines.
Trailheads: access via 16 different forest preserve locations
Information: fpdcc.com/places/trails/palos-trail-system/
Erie Lackawanna Trail
In Northwest Indiana, the Erie Lackawanna Trail spans 17.7 miles along a former railway, running from Hammond to Crown Point.
Trailheads: Sibley Street near State Street in Hammond and W. Summit Street at N. West Street in Crown Point
Information: traillink.com/trail/erie-lackawanna-trail/
Whatever trail you trek, be sure to check ahead for closures or restrictions and follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene and minimum social distancing of six feet from other people. Carry hand santizer. Bring your own drinking water. Dress for the weather. Go before you go: remember restrooms will be closed. And obviously, stay home if you are sick.
“Our number-one priority is the safety of our public and staff,” Hebreard said. “We are looking forward to working together during these trying times until we can get back to business as usual.”
But the fresh air and physical activity will do you some good.
“From my perspective people should remember this, nature is a place of solace,” Hebreard said. “Take a minute to enjoy your surroundings, really view nature, take some deep breaths. Nature Rx is real, and our wonderful open spaces can help give peace of mind in these trying times.”
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter.
