Fox River Shores Forest Preserve — Attraction in Dundee Township

I love it, but it's not for everyone.

It's basically a walk through deep woods. Nature is reclaiming what used to be occupied by humans. Sort-of access via the remnants of a narrow road that used to run here. After rainfall, parts may be submerged, including the easiest access. That's part of the beauty of the place, to some of us.

There are no trails beyond what wildlife have prepared. Expect to walk through spider webs and thorns; poison ivy is present in spots, so don't go crazy. If you drop a granola bar wrapper here and don't pick it up, you will be cursed for 13 years. If you find litter left by someone else and carry it out with you, you will be blessed.

If you decide to cross the rail fence by the Longmeadow bridge, use caution. The fence is in need of repair, and there is risk of personal injury. You have...

We rode from Carpentersville to Crystal Lake on a Friday afternoon. Not too crowded. We parked on side street, but just up ahead we saw people unloading their bikes in parking lot along the train tracks. Beautiful ride! Lots of trees, saw some wild turkeys. Through some small towns one road especially you need to wait at the light by the Dairy Queen and custard shop across the street. The side walk and corner are very narrow here. There are buttons to help stop traffic. There are wooden bumpy bridges, Asphalt paths most in great shape but few needing repairs for bumps. Along part of the river is Otto Engineering Inc. The owner helps take care buildings, baseballs and parts or the paths, I am told....

9-27-2020: Went to Carpenter Dam today. Walked south into a wooded area for about a half mile, as far as I could go, then back to the Dam. Walked north nearly a mile into Fox River Shores Forest Preserve and found a nice spot by the river where it would be nice to take chairs and sit. Very peaceful. No boats since you're so close to the Dam. Trails go further north so looks like a good place for a...