Des Plaines River Trail
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The Des Plaines River Trail is a recreational multiuse trail that follows the course of the Des Plaines River through most of Lake and part of Cook County in northeast Illinois. Trail uses include hiking/walking, bicycling, equestrian, and even winter cross country skiing and snowmobiling (conditions permitting). Also note that not all segments of the trail may connect directly. Since much of the trail lies in the flood plain along the Des Plaines River, sections of the trail are occasionally closed due to occasional flooding during periods of heavy rain. Currently, there is a 28-mile continuous section running through Lake County starting at Russell Road along the Wisconsin/Illinois state line and running south to West Riverside Road about a mile south of Route 22. There are additional disconnected sections south of this point.
Much of the Des Plaines River Trail runs through a protected corridor made up of a series of public lands that are part of the Lake County Forest Preserve District and the Cook County Forest Preserve District. The numerous forest preserves provide additional recreational opportunities along the trail. Underpasses and bridges are used to facilitate many (not all) of the major road crossings (The underpasses are highly prone to flooding during the Spring).
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[edit] Towns (North to south)
Towns connected by or adjacent to the Des Plaines River Trail:
[edit] Recreational Facilities
- Parks/Preserves: Van Patten Woods, Wadsworth Savanna, Wetlands Restoration Project, Gurnee Woods, Wedgewood Creek, Vern Gowe Memorial Park, Independence Grove, Adler Memorial Park, Riverside Park, Old School, MacArthur Woods, Half Day
- Boating (raft/flat bottom/non-motor): Van Patten Woods, Independence Grove
- Canoeing: Wadsworth canoe launch, Vern Gowe Memorial Park
- Fishing: Van Patten Woods, Wadsworth Canoe Launch
- Restrooms: Van Patten Woods, Wadsworth Canoe Launch, Indepenence Grove
- Drinking Fountain: Independence Grove
- R/C Aircraft area: Russel Road Special Use, Independence Grove
- Equestrian facilities: Stirling Lake/Van Patten Woods
- Dog run/park:
[edit] Animal Life
Possible wild animals that may be encountered along the trail:
- Birds: Blue Heron, Crane, woodpecker, redtail hawk, pegrine falcon
- Fish: bass, bluegill, catfish
- Mammals: bobcat, chipmunk, coyote, deer, fox, opossum, skunk, squirrel, Thompson's ground squirrel.
- Invertebrates: tiger beetle, Metalmark butterfly, Velvet ant, crayfish, water strider, dragonfly
- Reptiles/Amphibians: garter snake, box turtle, softshell turtle, leopard frog
[edit] Plant Life
- Trees: Oak, River Birch, Maple, pine,...
- Tall grasses: Cattails,...
- Wildflowers: Queen Anne's Lace, Skunk Cabbage, ...
- Other: Honeysuckle,...
[edit] Ecosystem
Plains/prairie, woodland, savanna, wetland
[edit] Other info
When traveling along this river during warmer months take proper preventative measures for mosquitoes and ticks. Mosquitoes can possibly carry some forms of encephalitis as well as West Nile Virus. Ticks in the region have been known to carry Lyme Disease.
Although the river and associated ponds are considered fresh water, swimming or consumption is generally not recommended. Most of the river and its tributaries are subject to runoff/drainage as well as heavy usage by local wildfowl, which may cause chemical and/or bacterial contamination.
