The hike, titled “Walk on the Wild Side,” is approximately 3.8 miles in length. Participants will meet at Lock 3 at 1:30 p.m., where the hike will begin.
This month’s hike is not part of the biennial “Hike the Hennepin” rotation due to the lack of a maintained path along this stretch of the canal. Hikers should expect rough conditions with uneven ground and are encouraged to dress appropriately and be prepared to get dirty.
If there is snow cover, rain, or excessive mud, organizers will substitute the hike with the Great Blue Heron route, which is approximately 4.5 miles and travels from Lock 6 to Lock 3.
Lock 3 is located on the northwest side of Routes 26 and 29 in Bureau, Illinois. Travelers can reach Bureau by taking Route 26 south from Princeton, Illinois, or by taking Interstate 80 to Interstate 180, exiting onto Route 26 and heading east into Bureau. Those arriving from the south can take Route 29 along the west shore of the Illinois River north to Route 26, then continue straight on Route 26 to the Lock 3 parking lot on the left.
