Big Woods Viewpoint–Big Woods Trail, 3 sights
4.6 mi · ▲ 407 ft · 1 hr 44 min
Big Woods Viewpoint–Big Woods Trail, 3 sights is a 4.6-mile out-and-back in Forest Glen County Preserve near Meeks, IL. The route reaches Big Woods Viewpoint. It climbs 407 ft, with sections as steep as 15% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 59/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Big Woods Viewpoint–Big Woods Trail, 3 sights
4.6 mi · ▲ 407 ft · 1 hr 44 min
Elevation 524–667 ft
Out & Back · Forest Glen County Preserve
Trailhead: Spring Crest Trail · 40.01402, -87.55752
Weather Sep 21: sunrise 6:38 AM · sunset 6:51 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Spring Crest Trail, heading N.
- 50 ftTurn left onto Tall Tree Trail, heading N.
- 0.3 miTurn right onto River Ridge Back Pack Trail, heading SE.
- 0.1 miContinue straight onto Hawk Hill Trail, heading S.
- 0.2 miContinue straight onto Big Woods Trail, heading S.
- 50 ftPass Big Woods Viewpoint.
- 1.7 miReach Big Woods Viewpoint, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 1.7 miContinue straight onto Hawk Hill Trail, heading NE.
- 0.2 miContinue straight onto River Ridge Back Pack Trail, heading N.
- 0.1 miTurn left onto Tall Tree Trail, heading NW.
- 0.3 miTurn right onto Spring Crest Trail, heading S.
- 50 ftArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.5 mi in (~44 min). Leave by 5:46 PM for the 6:51 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:50 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Spring Crest Trail Trailhead
- Big Woods Viewpoint–Big Woods Trail, 5 sights 6.1 mi · ▲ 264 ft
- Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 3 sights 1.2 mi · ▲ 134 ft
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