Pecatonica River Forest Preserve
Observation Deck–Blue Trail, 3 sights
3.1 mi · ▲ 0 ft · 1 hr 2 min
Observation Deck–Blue Trail, 3 sights is a 3.1-mile out-and-back in Pecatonica River Forest Preserve near Pecatonica, IL. The route reaches Observation Deck at the turnaround, 1.5 miles in. It is mostly level, with 0 ft of elevation gain, and mostly grass. It scores 62/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Observation Deck–Blue Trail, 3 sights
3.1 mi · ▲ 0 ft · 1 hr 2 min
Elevation 729–749 ft
Out & Back · Pecatonica River Forest Preserve
Trailhead: Blue Trail · 42.34945, -89.33063
Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:43 AM · sunset 7:00 PM
- Start at the trailhead, heading SE.
- 0.6 miBear right onto Red Trail, heading E.
- 0.7 miTurn left onto Green Trail, heading W.
- 0.2 miBear right, heading NE.
- 350 ftReach Observation Deck, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.3 miTurn right onto Red Trail, heading E.
- 0.7 miBear left onto Blue Trail, heading W.
- 0.5 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
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.5 mi in (~35 min). Leave by 6:05 PM for the 7:00 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:51 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
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