Willow Springs, Illinois
Black Oak Trail at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
1.67 Miles Total - Loop Trail
Originally added by Michael
Just outside of Chicago, The Little Red Schoolhouse has hiking trails that are beginner and family friendly.
The trails traverse a rolling glacial highland of oak woods and prairie. The hiking trails connect to miles of multi-use trails where you can hike, mountain bike, cross country ski and snowshoe. Lastly, there is an interpretive center with exhibits about local nature and history.
The trailhead starts just west of the Farm Pond Trail and interpretive center and loops for 1.67 miles through a wooded forest preserve. This trail is beginner and family friendly. Come early to beat the crowds.
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Reviews
Overall rating:
Fishing Trail
My family fell upon Maple Lake. We were trying to go to a more main entrance for the park but ended up there because that is where the GPS landed. Then we walked towards the lake and found a matted down path around this small lake. It was a really nice walk. There were a couple fallen trees that provided great entertainment for us. Also there were picnic tables that were obviously flooded but made for interesting views and photographs. Obviously this is not a programmed trail, just one of those created to gain access to the water for fishing. The one aspect of the park that was not desirable was the litter. Those were pretty contained to the more public areas though.
Hiking The Black Oak Trail ( With Kids )
The Black Oak Trail is a fantastic short hike for some peace and solitude solo with some great spots to sit and think as well as do a bit of journaling. It's also a dynamite place to get kids out into nature. The trail is very easy terrain and is mostly flat. It starts out at the Little Red Schoolhouse. The Little Red Schoolhouse has fantastic exhibits that are interactive as well as educational. Side note, they also have very clean bathrooms accommodations.
Stay Nearby
Nearby Adventures
Trail Run at Cemetery Hill
2 Miles Round Trip - 100 ft gain
Hike the Cap Sauers and Swallow Cliff Loop
4.74 Miles Round Trip - 259 ft gain
Run the Sag Valley Trail
2.8 Miles Round Trip - 100 ft gain
Run Lake Katherine
1 Miles Round Trip - 29 ft gain
