Spring Lake Nature Park

Streator, Illinois


 

 

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The Trails

 

Overlook Trail

Overlook Trail, Spring Lake Park, 2007 (Chris Frandsen)

 

The hiking trails at Spring Lake Park offer scenic paths for those looking for a relaxing walk, as well as those who prefer a more challenging hike.  Hikers need to be alert to changing conditions on the trails, such as fallen tree limbs, rocks, ruts, and wet soil.

 

·         Hikers are encouraged to stay on marked trails to avoid thorn bushes, uneven ground, and poison ivy, whose berries serve as food for resident birds. 

·         Dogs must be on leashes at all times.

·         Hikers and horseback riders use the same trails at Spring Lake Park. Caution is advised when meeting on the trail. Horses can be startled by loud noises or sudden movements.  


Twelve trails are currently open (most are ½ mile or less in length).
See bottom of page for trail map.  

·   Big Tree Trail Go south along the east fence line of the parking lot, then east along Moon Creek.  Look for the giant, 200-year old Cottonwood tree on the right.  This is a flat, easy trail for hikers, with several access points to the creek.  

 

·   West Trail Go west from the parking lot to the creek crossing.  Follow the loop back to return to the parking lot.  This is a flat, easy trail.
 

·   Egg Bag Creek Trail —  From the falls area, go west along Egg Bag Creek.  At the creek crossing, this trail intersects with West Hill Spur and West Trail.  This trail is narrow with some uneven footing, and is not appropriate for horses   

 

·   West Hill Spur At the end of Egg Bag Trail (or across the creek from West Trail), go up the hill to a clearing, connecting with Overlook Trail on top.  The hill on this spur has a steep incline.

  

·   Overlook Trail Go west from the falls area.  Go up the hill to the clearing, horseshoe loop, and scenic overlook. Trail returns to the falls area. The hills on this trail offer moderate inclines.    

 

·   Beaver Run From the scenic overlook, take Horseshoe Loop to Beaver Run. Turn left, down the hill and around the loop to return to Horseshoe Loop.  This trail has steep inclines and uneven footing, not suitable for horses.

 

·   South Trail From the parking lot, go south across the bridge, continue south across Moon Creek bridge, then up the hill in a southeast direction. This trail, which runs the length of the park, currently dead ends at the second Moon Creek crossing.  South Trail has varied inclines, groomed in places and primitive in others.  
 

·   Deer Trail Follow South Trail across Moon Creek, turn left, and follow the loop, which returns to South Trail.  This trail is mostly flat.

 

·   Highline Trail Take South Trail across Moon Creek, follow South Trail to the right, then turn left onto Highline Trail, and follow the loop back to South Trail.  This trail, which intersects with Deer Trail, has moderate inclines and some uneven footing. 

 

·   Ridge Trail Head south on South Trail, turn right (west) on Ridge Trail and follow the loop around and back to South Trail.  Halfway through the loop, Ridge Trail also intersects with Turkey Trail.  This trail has moderate inclines.
 

·   Turkey Trail Take South Trail to Turkey Trail, turn right (west) and follow the loop around and back to South Trail.  This trail, which also intersects with Ridge Trail and Creek Trail, is flat with some uneven footing.
 

·   Creek Trail Take South Trail to Creek Trail, turn right (west) and follow the loop around and back to South Trail.  This trail, which also intersects with Turkey Trail, is mostly flat with some uneven footing.

 

Click here to view Spring Lake Park Trail Map

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