The best walks and hikes around Matteson

Yes, many of the forest preserves and trails around Matteson are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. A popular spot for a walk with your pet is the Matteson,IL Vollmer Road Grove, which offers plenty of shade. Always check the specific regulations for the preserve you plan to visit before you go.

The region has many accessible trails perfect for families and beginners. The Pogie Lake Loop — Oak Forest Heritage Preserve is a great option, offering a straightforward walk. Many paths, like the Old Plank Road Trail, are paved, making them suitable for strollers and walkers of all ages.

While the immediate Matteson area is mostly flat prairie and woodland, you can find a waterfall at the highly-regarded Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. It's a bit of a drive but features a scenic, small waterfall along its multi-use trails, making it a popular destination for a day trip.

The area is well-served with paved trails. The Old Plank Road Trail is a 22-mile paved path that runs directly through Matteson, offering a flat and accessible route. For a shorter paved walk within a preserve, consider the Thorn Creek Black Paved Loop— Sauk Trail Woods Forest Preserve.

The local preserves offer good opportunities for wildlife spotting. You might see white-tailed deer and red foxes in wooded areas like the Matteson Forest Preserve. The wetlands at Butterfield Creek Headwaters and other preserves are also important stopovers for migratory birds, making them excellent spots for birdwatching.

Yes, there are several loop trails that bring you back to your starting point. The Orland Grassland loop from Orland Township is a great example, taking you on a circuit through open prairie landscapes. Many forest preserve trails are designed as loops for convenience.

The trails in this region are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the mix of quiet woodlands, expansive prairies, and the accessibility of the well-maintained paved paths.

The Old Plank Road Trail is the primary long-distance path in the area, stretching for 22 miles and connecting Matteson with several other towns. It's a former railway line, providing a flat and continuous route for an extended hike or bike ride. For more information on this specific trail, you can visit the Forest Preserve District of Will County's page.

The trails around Matteson are quite varied. Many popular routes, like sections of the Old Plank Road Trail, are paved and suitable for any comfortable walking shoes. Other paths in preserves like Thorn Creek Woods are natural surface trails through woodlands, where you might prefer shoes with more support, especially after rain.

The Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve, which surrounds a section of the Old Plank Road Trail in Matteson, is one of the best places to see a restored black soil prairie. Here you can walk among native wildflowers and tall grasses for a serene and immersive nature experience.

Yes, the region's wetlands and preserves are excellent for birdwatching. The Butterfield Creek Headwaters Land and Water Reserve is a known stopover for migratory birds. Additionally, the mix of forest, prairie, and wetlands in places like the Matteson Forest Preserve attracts a wide variety of bird species.