Last hike of 2024, 3, 5 or 8.7 miles, St. James Farm, McCormick Woods, P. Path

Hike 1 is 3 miles and end up at lot
Hike 2 is 5 miles (adds another 2 miles) and end up at lot
Hike 3 is 8.7 (adds 3.7 more miles)

This hike is cross posted with the Trailblazers hiking group and my guest RSVP includes members of that group.
https://4142298.xyz/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/302381000

St. James Farm hike is a tradition, its the last hike I schedule for the year. I started the tradition as of 2019 not even intending it to be so, it just kind of happened.

St. James Farm is a very popular destination all year round and people can be seen walking their dogs here even in Winter. You can read more on their website https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/st-james-farm

Hike 1 is about 3 miles
Its very flat and easy. If its icy then ice cleats are highly recommended.
We will start out on crushed limestone and head south toward Butterfield road, then taking a right-hand turn onto a grassy / packed dirt un-manicured trail. This section is not completely level and there are tree roots crossing the path sticking up 1 or 2 inches. This part of the hike goes into McCormick woods trail (completed in 2018). It is crushed limestone and in this section the landscape opens up into prairies. End up very close to parking lot. Whoever hikes longer can leave, the rest of us continue.

Hike 2: 5 cumulative
Largely crushed limestone and take more trails all around the farm. Heads back to the area where all the monuments, caboose and little bridge is.

Hike 3: 8.7 miles or turn around for shorter
Allow an additional 1.5 hours for this part

Lets hike toward the East side of Blackwell. I know where the trail is that goes there and crosses the street. 3.5 mile loop around Silver lake or turn around for shorter option. Its an easy flat hike except for about quarter mile of it which is moderate.
Upon entering Blackwell we'll take a narrow, rustic footpath for
about a quarter mile. Its a moderate trail featuring roots, narrow
ledge next to a 20 or so foot bluff, and ducking thru a fallen
tree. It then opens up into a walk on the grass around Silver Lake. To make a loop requires walking on a not-so-busy forest preserve drive
a short way. Other parts of the trail connection are asphalt, and crushed limestone.

Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Location:
2S541 Winfield Rd, Warrenville

Where to meet:
At the information sign at 10:00, we will start walking at 10:10.