Forest Glen County Preserve

Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 3 sights

1.2 mi · ▲ 134 ft · 28 min

Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 3 sights is a 1.2-mile out-and-back in Forest Glen County Preserve near Meeks, IL. The route passes Big Woods Viewpoint before reaching Vermillion River at the turnaround, 0.5 miles in. It is mostly level, with 134 ft of elevation gain, and mostly dirt. It scores 73/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.

Elevation

0 mi492 – 653 ft · steepest grade: 15%1.3 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Hawk Hill Trail 40.01244, -87.55579
Nearest town Meeks, IL

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 3 sights

1.2 mi · ▲ 134 ft · 28 min

Elevation 492–653 ft

Out & Back · Forest Glen County Preserve

Trailhead: Hawk Hill Trail · 40.01244, -87.55579

Weather Sep 21: sunrise 6:38 AM · sunset 6:51 PM

Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start on Hawk Hill Trail, heading NE.
  2. 0.2 miPass Big Woods Viewpoint.
  3. 0.2 miContinue straight onto River Ridge Back Pack Trail, heading E.
  4. 50 ftTurn right onto Hawk Hill Trail, heading E.
  5. 0.1 miBear right, heading E.
  6. 300 ftTurn left, heading NE.
  7. 200 ftReach Vermillion River, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  8. 250 ftTurn right, heading NW.
  9. 0.2 miTurn left onto River Ridge Back Pack Trail, heading W.
  10. 50 ftContinue straight onto Hawk Hill Trail, heading W.
  11. 0.4 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

100% dirt

Weather

Sunrise 6:38 AMSunset 6:51 PM

Good to know

  • Parking lot at the trailhead

More from Hawk Hill Trail Trailhead