Use caution on muddy Fox River Trail

Kane County officials have a message for families planning to spend Labor Day weekend biking or hiking on the Fox River Trail: Be careful out there.

Last week's severe storms left parts of the trail muddy and littered with branches, trees and other debris, said Michael Holan, director of operations and maintenance for the Kane County Forest Preserve District.

Cleanup efforts are under way, Holan said, and most large limbs have been removed. But some water-logged areas aren't expected to be back to normal for another two or three weeks.

"There are places where it might be impassable, but it's sporadic," he said. "It should not be a danger. (Users) just have to be cognizant there's a good chance of muddy trails."

Holan said one of the worst areas still affected by flooding is just south of the John Duerr Forest Preserve in South Elgin. That location is impassable, he said.

Other areas, such as picnic spots and shelters, have mostly been cleaned up.

"The water is receding fairly quickly," Holan said. "Just be cautious."

For more information on the trail, call (630) 232-5980.