Summer Woodlands and a Meandering Creek Dazzled at Lyon Forest Preserve in Yorkville, Illinois

 

Lyon Forest Preserve in Yorkville offered a perfect summer afternoon of exploring rolling woodlands, ravines, open prairie, and creeks. Pulling into the small, unassuming parking lot, we had no idea what truly beautiful natural treasures would unfold before us. After our first hike, we have become enamored with Lyon Forest Preserve and its trails full of gentle slopes through the forest.

A mosaic of light and dark green leaves herald the joy of summer at Lyon Forest Preserve.

Natural trails winding through lush woodlands enchanted us. The trees full of a rainbow of shades of green definitely carried the joy of summer. We enjoyed looking for wildlife and admiring interesting patterns among the trees. One particular favorite exploration stop included marvelling at a "web" of tree branches. So cool! 

A web of tree branches above the natural trail at Lyon Forest Preserve. 

We also discovered a tree devoid of its bark revealing intricacies of nature below. 

Mother Nature's artwork exposed in an old tree without its bark at Lyon Forest Preserve.
Admire the grooves and flow of tree growth you don't normally see.

Lyon Creek meanders through the preserve presenting beautiful views. The gentle creek softly flows through a dense forest. Rocks of all sizes, branches, and downed trees added layers and textures to the landscape.

Lyon Creek meanders through the preserve creating
wonderful calm moments in the forest.

Boulders litter one section of the creek crafting a gorgeous view. The mix of the hardness of the boulders and their soft roundness as well as the calm meander of the creek create a blend of soft yet strong.

Large boulders dot the calm flowing creek.

During most of our hike, we found the preserve quiet. We relished appreciating flora and fauna in this tucked-away preserve.

Lyon Forest Preserve is nestled within Kendall County, Illinois, perched along the Fox River. Adjacent to Richard Young Forest Preseve, the pair of preserves' trails interconnect, so you can explore both together. The duo encompasses 177 acres of nature and about 2.88 miles of trails.

Yorkville, Illinois hiking trails continue to impress and Lyon Forest Preserve certainly impressed us!