DuPage forest preserves offer many ways to enjoy fall color
Whether hiking, biking, paddling or taking a hayride, area residents can enjoy fall color displays through several Forest Preserve District of DuPage County programs. The programs begin Wednesday, Oct. 5, with hayrides at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville.
St. James Farm Fall Colors Wagon Ride
Take in the fall colors on a 30-minute tractor-drawn hayride as you hear about the buildings, natural areas and equestrian roots of St. James Forest Preserve on Winfield Road, a quarter-mile north of Butterfield Road in Warrenville. Rides leave at 1 and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5; Sunday, Oct. 9; Wednesday, Oct. 12; and Sunday, Oct. 16. For all ages; those younger than 13 must be with an adult. Cost: $5 per person for ages 5 and older; free for younger children. Registration not required. Info: (630) 580-7025.
Ride the Trails Fall Colors Tour
Bring your bike and tour several forest preserves on a 15- to 18-mile ranger-led ride through the fall scenery. Tours are offered from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 13, at Spring Creek Reservoir in Bloomingdale and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 29, at Danada Forest Preserve in Wheaton. For ages 12 and older; those younger than 16 must be with an adult. Free. Register online or at (630) 933-7248.
Fall Colors Hike
Learn about wildlife, plants, history and forest preserve features on a guided hike through scenic fall landscapes. Hikes are offered 9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at Meacham Grove in Bloomingdale; 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Waterfall Glen in Darien; 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Maple Grove in Downers Grove; and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook. All ages; those younger than 18 must be with an adult. Free. Register online or at (630) 933-7248.
Paddling: Fall Colors
Enjoy fall reflections on the West Branch of the DuPage River during a guided paddle from Lion's Park in downtown Winfield to Warrenville Grove in Warrenville from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Paddlers must arrange for their own rides back to the launch site. Bring your own canoe or kayak to this free program or rent one for $20 per person. For ages 6 and older; those younger than 18 must be with an adult. Register online or at (630) 933-7248.
Photography: Fall Colors Excursion
Explore fall colors with a naturalist and a photography instructor who will teach you about nature and ways to capture beautiful images from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, in Fullersburg Woods in Oak Brook. For ages 14 and older; those younger than 18 must be with an adult. Cost: $20 per person. Register online or at (630) 206-9566.
For information about DuPage County forest preserves and programs offered by the forest district, call (630) 933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.