Hiking Trails

Trail Etiquette:

Woodland Dunes offers several hiking trails that includes beautiful habitats such as woodlands, meadows, and marshes. All trails are relatively flat and easily hiked, ranging from ¼ – 2 ½ miles long.  In winter, trails are open for snowshoeing and cross- country skiing, although not groomed. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Trail maps can also be picked up at the Nature Center office. Click here to view the regularly updated trail report.

Trails beginning at the Nature Center:

Harold Alyea Tower: Get a bird’s eye view of the wetlands from this two-story, 30-foot tower located next to the Nature Center. A ramp leads to the lower level of the tower for a view of David’s Pond. Stairs climb to the second story for observation of the West Twin River through a viewing scope. A cement parking pad is next to the ramp, and there are level sidewalks leading to the pavilion, butterfly garden, and Cattail Trail.

Cattail Trail (0.3 mile): The whole family will enjoy this boardwalk that meanders through a shrub swamp, a sedge meadow, and a cattail marsh where birds and wetland animals live or visit. Watch for informative signage along this trail. A couple of stairs lead to a small platform which provides access to the pond for dip net use (materials can be found inside the Nature Center). A kayak launch is located at the end of this trail. Ask to borrow caddies at the front desk.

• Surface: Wooden boardwalk
• Width: 5’
• Slope: None
• Obstacles: None
• Benches: Yes

Willow Trail (0.9 mile): This out-and-back trail passes through diverse habitats, starting with shady shrub carr. The trail then enters an open meadow with native pollinator plants and is particularly breathtaking from mid-summer to late fall. Goldenrod Loop takes you around Todd’s Pond, where you can pause to enjoy the peace and serenity of this wetland, often full of dragonfly activity. Continue along Willow Trail through meadows and shrubland, then take the Horsetail Loop to visit a unique fen-like ecosystem. The final part of Willow trail, about a quarter of a mile, takes you to the bank of the West Twin River. There is an observation deck, as well as informative signage.

• Surface: Grass, wooden boardwalk, dirt
• Width: 6’
• Slope: Slight slope to get onto the boardwalk section
• Obstacles: Goldenrod Loop’s section behind Todd’s Pond is often wet and with uneven terrain
• Benches: Yes
• Platform: 7 steps

Trails Within 10 Minute Drive or Less of the Nature Center:

Conifer Trail (0.75 mile): Conifer Trail is U-shaped and starts about two blocks from the Nature Center on Columbus Street. Signs on the west side of the road identify the trailheads. Street parking is available next to the trailheads. This unique trail follows two ancient beach ridges, crossing a swale in between while walking through a mixed hardwood forest. Native tree ID signage is found along the trail.

• Surface: Grass, dirt
• Width: 6’
• Slope: Slight rolling slope
• Obstacles: Roots & raised culvert
• Benches: Yes

Ice Age Trail Woodland Dunes Segment (2.25 miles): This segment of the Ice Age Trail runs through the Woodland Dunes Preserve and is concurrent with Trillium Trail for part of its length. It is marked by yellow blazes. Unlike other Woodland Dunes trails, the Ice Age Trail is open to dogs on a leash; however, they must stay on the trail. Please pack out their waste. Parking is available behind the Aurora Hospital, at the end of 10th Street, and along Columbus Street.

• Surface: Grass, dirt, wooden boardwalk
• Width: 5’
• Slope: Occasional slight slopes
• Obstacles: Roots
• Benches: Yes
• Plover Pond Platform: 14 steps

Trailheads on Goodwin Road:

Blazing Star Trail (.75 mile): Circle through Woodland Dunes’ prairie & wetland plants, listen to grassland bird songs, observe pollinators foraging, and watch as wildlife changes from one season to the next. Wetland viewing platform at this site. Gravel parking pad located at the trailhead along Woodland Drive.

• Surface: Grass
• Width: 6’
• Slope: Rolling slope
• Obstacles: Grass clumps
• Benches: Yes
• Platform: 9 steps

Yellow Birch Trail (0.3 mile): This boardwalk is currently closed because it is unsafe and in need of repair.

• Surface: Wooden boardwalk
• Width: 4’
• Slope: Slight rolling slope
• Obstacles: None
• Benches: Yes
• Condition: Trail is currently closed and awaiting funding for repair.

Black Cherry Trail (0.8 mile) & Trillium Trail (1.5 miles): These two trails meander, often concurrently, through the ridges and swales of an ancient beach. You’ll pass through upland mixed hardwoods and a wooded swamp, catching glimpses of birds and amphibians in the spring, summer, and fall. Several small bridges cross these seasonally wet swales. Trillium Trail also connects with the the Ice Age Trail before looping back to Black Cherry Trail. Parking is available at the end of Goodwin Road, please do not block the green gate.

Black Cherry Trail:

• Surface: Grass, dirt, wooden boardwalk, woodchips
• Width: 4’
• Slope: Slight rolling slope, angled slope, steep slope onto large boardwalk section
• Obstacles: Roots, step up onto boardwalk sections
• Benches: Yes

Trillium Trail:

• *Note: Trillium Trail is a “natural path” and is not mowed
• Surface: Grass, dirt, wooden boardwalk
• Width: Varies with the season, occasionally only ~2’ wide
• Slope: Slight rolling slope
• Obstacles: Roots, step up to get onto boardwalk sections
• Benches: Yes