Mayslake Forest Preserve by Patricia Hayden
There are two entrances to Mayslake – entrance #1 is on the south side of 31st Street about .25 miles west of Route 83. This entrance is near Mayslake Hall and Trinity Lake.
Entrance #2 (where I chose to park and explore) is on the west side of St. Paschal Drive about .25 miles south of 31st Street. This entrance has access to the off-leash dog area as well as a path around part of Mays Lake.
When you turn into entrance #2, you’ll see a good-sized lot with available handicapped parking. Exiting my car, I headed toward the “Information” sign and learned this area is a coyote habitat. To the right of the information sign, I saw a path to the off-leash dog area. However, I chose the path in front of the information sign that would take me part-way around Mays Lake.
As I started my walk on the limestone and turf trail, I saw several people with fishing rods and tackle boxes heading down the path toward Mays Lake. Fishing is allowed only on the northern shores of Mays Lake (the southern shores are private property) and the lake is known to contain largemouth bass, bluegill, and carp. Those fishing must carry a valid Illinois fishing license.
The path I walked around Mays Lake was rather short – about .3 miles each way. The path is fairly narrow, has several medium elevation changes, and also has some obstructions along the way such as exposed tree roots, so you need to watch your step. As I walked I saw Wild bergamot and Sweet Joe-Pye weed as well as signs prohibiting swimming at the lake. There was also a sign about halfway down the path that provided information about prescription burns which was very informative.
As I made my way back to the parking lot, I saw several people and their pups heading to the off-leash dog area. This is a fully fenced area and is open during regular forest preserve hours, but is closed on Thursdays until 10am for routine maintenance. All dog owners need to carry a valid Forest Preserve District permit for each pup.
More information about the site can be found here: https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/mayslake and information about the off-leash area can be found here: https://www.dupageforest.org/things-to-do/recreational-activities/dogs-in-the-preserves.
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.