Hike Raceway Woods amongst the evergreens, 5.5 miles with shorter 3.75 option
Details
Summary
My son and I found this place on 05/22/20 and I led a group hike here in 2020. This hike features some groves of evergreens and allows us to see some green during a brown foliage season. There are some surprising elevation changes so please be prepared. Shoes with good traction recommended.
This hike may be updated with new distances if I come back and revise previous route.
Important:
If the lot is full, park on the side street one block to the north on "Gentle Breeze Terrace".
You will have to cross route 31 which is busy but can be crossed with caution. There are no pedestrian crossing signs nor pedestrian marked walks here.
Hike 1 - 3.75 miles
The Best of Raceway! Hike will start in a cleared out area of Raceway then end up in a large grove of evergreens.
It features winding single track mountain bike trails with small hills and unlevel surfaces. No mud, hard packed clay and dirt. More heavily forested in this area. Ends near parking lot.
Hike 2 - just under 2 miles (~5.5 cumulative)
Winding single track mountain bike trails with small hills and unlevel surfaces. No mud, hard packed clay and dirt. Winds back and forth on the north end of Raceway woods. Forest with standard brown foliage for this time of year. Forest is thinner in this area. End up back at the parking lot after this hike.
Location
State route 31, Carpentersville. We are meeting at the entrance right off of route 31. Its 1.6 miles north of route 72 (Higgins road or Main street).
There are multiple parking lots. If you see a giant 30 foot tall white can shaped structure then you are in the correct parking lot.
If the lot is filled, there is street parking 1 block to the north of the entrance. The street is "Gentle Breeze Terrace" and unlimited side street parking lots. You will have to cross route 31 but its only 2 lanes of traffic here.
Where to meet
Meet by the picnic tables under the shelter. We will start walking by 10:10.
Websites
https://kaneforest.com/location/raceway-woods
Hike Raceway Woods amongst the evergreens, 5.5 miles with shorter 3.75 option