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Hiking the Ravine at Deer Grove West
The hike will explore the wooded, shallow, and wide ravine that defines the interior of Deer Grove West. The hike will follow the streams that created and still shape the ravine today. Deer Grove Lake and the Deer Grove Lake Dam will also be on the hike’s route. Architectural remnants from the work done by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s will be highlighted.
Difficulty Level: This hike is for those wishing to experience the adventure of getting off the beaten path. The primary surfaces for the hike are single-track dirt trails adjacent to the streams within Deer Grove West. The single-track trails do have obstacles to be navigated such as downed trees, exposed roots, rain run-offs, stream crossings, and short but steep ups and downs. The trail surface and obstacles can be challenging.
If the single-track trails within the ravine are unusable due to weather conditions, we will still hike using crushed gravel trails within Deer Grove West. The crushed gravel trails will not display the ravine.
Duration: The hike will be 2 hours in duration, give or take, and the distance hiked will be approximately 4 miles.
Parking / Meeting location: We will meet by the picnic shelter at Grove 4 within Deer Grove West. The entrance road is on the west side of Quentin Rd, north of Dundee Road and south of Lake Cook Road. The entrance road is directly across from the Camp Reinberg campground on the east side of Quentin Rd. Once within the Preserve follow the signs to Grove 4.
What to wear / bring: Water is not available at the Preserve. Be sure to bring your water and enough to last the duration of the hike. Long pants, not shorts, should be worn. Hiking boots offer some water protection and sturdy enough for the obstacles detailed above are recommended. Expect your boots or shoes to get dirty, possibly muddy.
Optional equipment: Trekking poles, rucksack with personal equipment, insect repellant
Meet your volunteer guide: Tom is retired after a 30-plus-year career in Information Technology. He’s an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys exploring the woods through day hikes, snowshoeing, trail running, and alpine skiing. Tom especially enjoys and appreciates the beauty of each season within the preserves.
