Helm Woods Forest Preserve

Helm Woods Forest Preserve Sunset Point & Private Utility Drive

2.7 mi · ▲ 27 ft · 55 min

Helm Woods Forest Preserve Sunset Point & Private Utility Drive is a 2.7-mile out-and-back in Helm Woods Forest Preserve near Carpentersville, IL. The route reaches Helm Woods Forest Preserve Sunset Point. It is mostly level, with 27 ft of elevation gain, and mostly dirt. It scores 0/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.

Elevation

0 mi902 – 942 ft2.8 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Unnamed 42.12302, -88.24791
Nearest town Carpentersville, IL

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Helm Woods Forest Preserve Sunset Point & Private Utility Drive

2.7 mi · ▲ 27 ft · 55 min

Elevation 904–943 ft

Out & Back · Helm Woods Forest Preserve

Trailhead: 42.12302, -88.24791

Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:39 AM · sunset 6:56 PM

Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start at the trailhead, heading E.
  2. 0.1 miPass Helm Woods Forest Preserve Sunset Point.
  3. 450 ftTurn right, heading SE.
  4. 0.4 miTurn right, heading E.
  5. 50 ftSharp left, heading E.
  6. 100 ftTurn left onto Private Utility Drive, heading S.
  7. 0.8 miReach Helm Woods Forest Preserve Sunset Point, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  8. 0.8 miTurn right, heading S.
  9. 50 ftSharp right, heading S.
  10. 50 ftTurn left, heading S.
  11. 0.4 miTurn left, heading N.
  12. 0.2 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Trail surface

83% dirt8% grass9% unspecified

Weather

Sunrise 6:39 AMSunset 6:56 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.2 mi in (~5 min). Leave by 6:30 PM for the 6:56 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:16 PM — 8 min before dark. Car visible from the viewpoint

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Parking lot at the trailhead