Splendid Lake Views and Woodlands at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, Illinois

 

Hiking at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora invited us to an adventure with beautiful lake views with plenty of wildlife even in winter. Visiting on a spectacular late winter day, we enjoyed the preserve with quite a few others desiring to get out and soak up the weather. The 394-acre Oakhurst Forest Preserve unfolds many nature adventures throughout the year.

The hill at Oakhurst Forest Preserve under the golden sun.

Oakhurst Forest Preserve crafts a greenspace welcoming many activities including fishing, kayaking, sledding, picnicking, and more. While hiking, we spotted the sledding hill which other visitors were climbing. We initially thought trails just circled around the 55-acre lake. However, we quickly noted a number spindling off.

Trails can be particularly muddy during the spring melt.

Oakhurst Forest Preserve features several miles of trails of mixed substrates. Because the preserve was experiencing the flooding of oncoming spring, we stayed more on the gravel trails. Above, you can see a bit of some of the trail conditions. I always wear hiking boots but they are definitely recommended this time of year. Plus, be prepared to find sections of trail you cannot cross leading you to have to change course or go back. 

A mallard flies over Lake Patterson on a sunny afternoon.

While rounding the lake, we spotted both goldeneye and mallard ducks. The mallards in particular were quite entertaining during our visit and flew from wetland to wetland.

Sparkling Lake Patterson peeks through
golden tasseled wetland grasses at Oakhurst Forest Preserve.

Both the lake and sledding hill were constructed to help ease flooding. Together, they both sculpt a spectacular preserve as well! The hill adds an extra level of interest not found in all of our preserves. The lake and its surrounding wetlands treat to fascinating views and opportunities to see more wildlife.

Oakhurst Forest Preserve also unfolds a wonderful section of woodlands. We did not explore this too much on this visit because we felt the trails may be too muddy. However, this is a great inspiration to return. Wandering through the woodlands full of the green of summer is probably spectacular.

Learning about the salamanders of Oakhurst Forest Preserve.

We did discover a salamander play mound. Oakhurst is in fact a native salamander habitat! I would like to return to check for salamanders. I have actually not seen one in the wild, so that would be cool!

We look forward to exploring Oakhurst Forest Preserve again in the warmer months. We hope to enjoy more birding and possibly spot wildflowers! Oakhurst Forest Preserve is one to keep on your list for a future trip to Aurora!