Get ready to lace up your hiking shoes because National Take a Hike Day is coming up on November 17! Woodstock, IL is the perfect place to celebrate with scenic trails, peaceful ponds, and colorful fall foliage. Whether you’re looking for a post-Thanksgiving stroll, a family-friendly walk, or a chance to explore nature, these conservation areas and parks offer something for every adventurer. Discover the beauty of Woodstock outdoors this season and make the most of the crisp autumn air.
Woodstock Trail Picks
1. Brookdale Conservation Area (2105 Paulsen Rd.)
Escape to nature at Brookdale, a peaceful spot featuring a 1-mile grass trail around an 11-acre pond, a wildlife observation deck, and a short paved path to a handicap-accessible fishing pier. Picnic shelters and restrooms make it easy to enjoy a day outdoors, plus it connects to the 6.15-mile multi-use trail for longer adventures.
2. Dufield Pond Conservation Area (North Entrance: 11750 Country Club Rd., South Entrance: 11418 McConnell Rd.)
Hikers will find a peaceful escape at Dufield Pond, perfect for anglers and nature lovers alike. The north entrance leads to a 7-acre fishing lake stocked with bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and perch. From the south entrance, a 0.75-mile trail winds through mature oak woodlands and rolling terrain, with interpretive signs highlighting native trees and diverse habitats.
3. Emricson Park & Woods Walk Nature Trail (900 W. South St. or 1313 Kishwaukee Valley Rd.)
Just minutes from downtown Woodstock, Emricson Park is a 60-acre outdoor retreat with something for everyone: family fun, fitness, or quiet time in nature. Explore the Woods Walk Nature Trail or a 1.65-mile paved loop that’s stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, perfect for walking, biking, or jogging year-round. Scenic views and inclusive features make it a must-visit spot on your Woodstock itinerary.
4. Hennen Conservation Area (4622 Dean St.)
Indulge your inner-nature lover at Hennen Conservation Area, a 25-acre park with about two miles of trails winding through wildflower meadows, oak groves, and a tranquil pond. Perfect for a peaceful walk, wildlife viewing, or a quiet moment in the outdoors, Hennen offers a serene retreat just outside downtown Woodstock.
5. Ryders Woods Park (751 E. Kimball Ave.)
From the road, it looks unassuming, however Ryders Woods Park offers 17 acres of wooded trails and a scenic pond for a peaceful hike or leisurely stroll. Its natural setting makes it a perfect spot for wildlife spotting, a short walk, or an afternoon adventure close to Woodstock’s historic Square.
6. Westwood Conservation Area (1525 Hillside Trl.)
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, Westwood Conservation Area spans 64 acres of peaceful natural beauty. Winding trails take you through lush deciduous forests and alongside tranquil ponds, making it ideal for nature walks, birdwatching, or a quiet escape into the outdoors.
7. William C. Donato Conservation Area (700 Ridgeland Ave.)
Discover 25 acres of preserved woodlands and wetlands at William C. Donato Conservation Area. A 0.6-mile loop trail winds through forested paths and open landscapes, making it perfect for a relaxed nature walk or a quick escape into the outdoors.