Grassy Lake is a quiet, contemplative site, featuring gently rolling hills, oak woodlands, marshes and moraines.
Trails
The preserve's 5.6 miles of gravel and mowed grass trails offer some of the best access to the banks of the Fox River. Trails here wind through colorful sedge meadows, mature oak woodlands, and a variety of other natural habitats. Six scenic overlooks offer magnificent views of the Fox River Valley and of Grassy Lake.
Kelsey Road divides the preserve's two separate northern sections, but a trail tunnel and an at-grade road crossing with a flashing beacon provide safe passage at both locations. Trail connections are also provided to adjacent neighborhoods.
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4.1 miles of trails are open only for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing.
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1.5 miles of trails north of the Kelsey Rd parking lot are open to hiking and cross-country skiing only, biking is not allowed on these trails.
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Please keep dogs leashed and on trails at all times, and pick up after them. Learn about our Off-Leash Dog Areas (permit required).
Restoration Workdays
Grab some work gloves, help restore the environment, and get a behind-the-scenes look at your preserves! Help our natural communities by removing invasive plants and helping native species thrive. No experience necessary. Restoration Workdays occur in dozens of sites around the county, some on weekdays & some on weekends. No commitment required, come to as many workdays as you can.
Upcoming Workdays
Derek Harms Endowed Fund for Grassy Lake
The Riverwoods scenic overlook at Grassy Lake is in memory of Derek Austin Harms (1997–2018). The overlook is part of an ongoing preservation effort that reflects Derek's love for all things outdoors. Through continued donor support, activities such as invasive species control, replanting of native seeds, shrubs and trees can be carried out, allowing Grassy Lake to adapt to changing climatic conditions. The Grassy Lake endowment provides a permanent source of funding to care for future generations. |
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