Blackwell – McKee Marsh – approximately 7 miles round trip
This is our favorite nature ride. Each year we begin riding at Blackwell/McKee Marsh in the very early spring when the snow and ice have melted and the trail has dried out enough to ride. Early spring is a special time of the year to ride this trail since you have a very deep view into the woods - giving the path an expansive wide open feel. And in the early Spring we keep an observant eye out for the first signs of green along the trail. As Spring progresses the woods grow thicker and we see meadow larks, bobolinks, blue birds and woodpeckers among our favorites. Spring wildflowers cover much of the surrounding area of McKee Marsh and you begin to hear the spring peeper frogs. We always stop at one of the several marsh overlooks to see what birds have dropped in at the marsh – great blue herons, great egrets, cormorants, geese, grebes or coots. Birds aren’t the only sightings here, you can occasionally catch a glimpse of deer. In summer the color is green green green, the foliage is at its densest. In the Fall, you have another color palette along the trail, as well as migrating birds, snakes sunning themselves on the path before they hibernate and wooly bear caterpillars – sure signs of the coming Fall.
Ride Details: We park in the lot just beyond the entrance to Blackwell Forest Preserve and begin our ride at the trailhead adjacent to the pond. You’ll pass White Pine Pond and Sand Pond, wind through a shady path and over the Springbrook Creek bridge then on about another mile to Mack Road where you’ll cross into McKee Marsh. Follow this trail to the tee. If you turn left at the tee, just beyond the incline is one of several marsh overlooks. A little further on there is a path to the left – this leads to a small picnic area and forest preserve restrooms. We beeline straight to the picnic area and unpack our Starbucks, fruit and muffins. Breakfast here in the early morning is special – it’s true what they say about everything tasting better outdoors! After breakfast we continue around McKee Marsh usually with several stops to bird watch then pedal back to the parking area at Blackwell.
The trail is well maintained crushed limestone. There is also a short (.8 mile) dirt trail off the main route. The Blackwell McKee Marsh trail is a quick ride through very scenic wetland, prairie and forest. And if you’re looking for more exercise, Blackwell connects with several area trails including Herrick Lake and the Illinois Prairie Path. Here’s a link to the trail maps for Blackwell and McKee Marsh:
– bring your binoculars on this ride and keep on cycling!
