DAY HIKES
Heron Creek and Reed-Turner
Long Grove, IL
April 21, 22, 23, 25, 2026
April 21, 22, 23, 25
2-hours
$25.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
Approx 2.5 mile.
Terrain
Dirt and crushed limestone path that are a mix of sun and shade, some hills. We hike two different preserves.
This hike is through two preserves, Heron Creek and Reed-Turner. At Heron Creek we will scout for heron nests as we hike along Indian Creek and meadows. At Reed-Turner, we will wander into the deep ravine that holds the Indian creek, through restored prairie, and into virgin oak-hickory woodlands. Our trail takes us along Reed pond, an 8-acre bay that opens up to the large Salem Lake. Reed-Turner is a special place that has a large variety of spring ephemerals & native plants in one small protected area of land.
Washroom
There is an outhouse at the parking lot.
What to Bring
Water
Sunglasses/sunscreen
Sturdy hiking shoes/boots
Dress in layers for comfort
Bug repellent in case the bugs are out early
Sack lunch for an after-hike picnic
Emergency Medical Information form filled out (this is kept in your backpack, and only accessed in emergencies)
Optional Lunch
We hope you continue the commarderie and join us for a sack lunch at the preserve. 12:00-12:30.
Times
We meet by 9:45 am and begin our experience at 10:00 am to noon. As a courtesy to all women, please arrive early, as we will begin promptly and not wait for latecomers.
Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
During the hike, there will be a 15-minute section of the trail that is a silent walk, so that each person can more fully appreciate the sounds of nature.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If we do cancel a hike, you will receive an email before 8am the morning of the hike.
You Will Learn
About the Salamander
Driving Directions
Heron Creek Forest Preserve: 22890 N. Old McHenry Road, Lake Zurich
Access is off Old McHenry Road, 0.1 miles south of Rt. 22 in Long Grove.
(After Heron Creek we will drive over to Reed-Turner. We are not allowed to walk from one preserve to the next)
Long Grove Park District
Phone: 847-438-4743
Web: www.lgparks.org
Discussion Starter Question
Nature provides us with so many examples of the beauty and brillance inheriant in imprefection. The tree that bends with beautiful curves after a snow storm, albino animals, or the flower that finds its way through the cracked concrete.
Today, we will notice the variety of imperfections on our walk, see the beauty, and remind ourselves that we can embrace our own imperfections.
Guides
Karen aka “Cairn” Tue. & Saturday
Kari aka “Lucky Duck” Wed. & Thur.
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within the same season.
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of three people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous, ie. lightning or a major storm. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike.