Since I’m still living in the Chicago burbs, this place continues to be my favorite destination for newbies and for quick one-night getaways when I need to get a hiking fix. I’ve visited numerous times since my last summary, including a two-night autumn trip with my 6-year-old son (now 8), and several other trips introducing people to backpacking for the first time.

Fees and instructions are still pretty much the same. The trail is better-maintained and better-marked than ever, and a local Boy Scout recently arranged for the construction of a sturdy new bridge near the trailhead of the River Ridge Backpack Trail.

Every time I visit I notice something new; plants, animals, topographical features, etc., and I’ve never had a bad experience with the friendly park staff. I love the place so much that I’ve even chipped in a little extra money when paying my trail use fees.

After countless visits I finally took the time to climb the fire tower, which is totally worth the effort (and the anxiety if you’re afraid of heights). The view of the valley is beautiful from the top.

The last time I visited I was with a new friend who’s a complete newbie – with no experience in backpacking, camping, hiking, etc. We took video of the experience for his vlog, which is a three-part series that you can find below. I’m in a few of his other videos, and he plans to put me in more in the future, so you can see updates on me and the other activities and destinations that I’m into if you subscribe to his YouTube channel.

I’ve also been visiting Mad Goat Coffee each time I drive through the Danville area on my way home from Forest Glen, and I have loved the staff recommendations for gourmet beans that they roast themselves, on location. They also have the sweet drinks and plenty of pastries, so there’s something for everyone. The owners are local folks who love their craft and support their local community, so I’m happy to support their cafe. They just opened a 2nd location right off of the I-74 interchange with Hwy 150, so now I don’t even have to drive all the way through Danville to get my Mad Goat fix after a night in the woods (even though it was worth it).

Enjoy some photos that I grabbed during my last couple of visits!

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