Goodrich Woods Forest Preserve by Patricia Hayden
The entrance for the Goodrich Woods Forest Preserve is on the south side of Hobson Road about .25 mile west of Naper Blvd. When you turn into the entrance, you’ll see the small parking lot with room for 7 or 8 vehicles. I did not see a marked handicapped parking spot or a washroom facility at this site.
I did see an “Information” sign when I exited my car and the entrance to the trail is next to the sign. The trail itself is a .5 mile woodchip loop with some medium elevations. I noticed many twigs and branches on the trail itself, so be sure to keep an eye out for obstructions while you’re walking.
Although the trail is short (I made two trips around), it has some interesting sites to see. The preserve is an oak woodland and has a stream running through it. Fairly soon after I started walking the trail I came upon a brick fireplace which I understand is part of one of the original homesites at the preserve’s location. As I continued, along with many oak trees, I saw Siberian squill as well as Wild daffodils starting to bloom.
There are two wooden footbridges on the trail that cross over the aforementioned stream and there is one bench after you cross the first footbridge.
More information about the site can be found here: https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/goodrich-woods.
This post is part of the “Take a Hike” series by Patricia Hayden. To learn more about this blog and see information about all other featured hikes click here.
To make it even more fun, we’re launching the Take-A-Hike Challenge!
The challenge is open to everyone. From May through October 2025, simply take the month’s featured hike whenever your schedule allows. Capture a photo of one of the points of interest mentioned in that month’s column, then either:
Post your photo on the Greater DuPage Wild Ones Facebook page, or
Email it to [email protected].
Each hike you complete will be recorded in our challenge log. All participants will be recognized at our Seed Exchange in November!
We hope this inspires you to lace up your shoes, hit the trails, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.