DAY HIKES
Mallard Lake Forest Preserve
Hanover Park, IL
Sept. 15 & 17, 2026
Sept. 15 & 17
2-hours
$25.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
About 3 miles
Terrain
We are on crushed gravel most of the route, with a few boardwalks/bridges. Trail is realtively flat.
This is a peaceful 953-acre preserve with lots of open water, wetlands, fields, scattered woodlands, and the West Branch of the DuPage River. It’s center piece is the 85 acre Mallard Lake, the largest in DuPage County, that attract many species of water fowl and birds.
Washroom
There is a restroom at the parking lot.
What to Bring
Water
Hiking sticks are optional
Emergency Medical Information form filled out, kept in your bag
Clothing layers as needed
Sturdy shoes or hiking boots.
Bug spray just in case.
Sack lunch or snacks
Optional lunch this week
We hope you stay afterwards for 30 minuts for a sack lunch or snack to continue the comraderie.
Times
We meet at 9:45 am to begin hiking at 10:00am
Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
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 on the day of your hike.
You Will Learn
About the muskie and pike that live in this pond.
Driving Directions
Address: Mallard Lake
Schick road, .5 miles west of Gary Ave. Hanover Park, IL
Park near the restroom.
Discussion Starter Question
Some unusual fish trivia today. Did you know that herring communicate with one another through farts? When the fish pass gas, the bubbbles make a high-frequency sound only audible to other herring.
Do you have a fun secret “language” or words or gestures you use with a friend or family member?
Guides
Kari, aka, “Lucky Duck”
Quote of the day
“When you do something noble and beautiful and nobodynoticed, do not be sad. For the sun every monrning is a beautiful spectacle and yet most of the audience still sleeps.” John Lennon
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 or not bearable. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike via email.