Hoff Road Trailhead
The Hoff Road Trailhead provides direct access to several trails and areas:
- Twin Oaks Trail
- Old Chicago Road
- Turtle Pond (picnic area)
- Chicago Road Seedbed, (native Illinois seeds)
- Bailey Bridge Trail
- Hedgeapple Trail
- Wauponsee Glacial Trail (Forest Preserve District of Will County’s)
General Information
- Permanent gate, pedestrian traffic only.
Address: 30239 S. State Route 53 Wilmington, IL 60481
Phone: 815-423-6370
Hours: Mon - Sat, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Trails: year-round, Mon - Sun, 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From the Midewin Welcome Center
- Turn right/north onto Route 53
- Travel north on Route 53 for 3.6 miles.
- Turn right/east onto Hoff Road.
- Travel east on Hoff Road for 2 miles.
- The trailhead parking is on your right.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Biking - Road Cycling Info
Cyclist can access approximately 18 miles of bike trails via the Hoff Road Trailhead. Restriction must be followed and cyclist must remain in open areas only. No bikes are allowed on the Hedgeapple trail or the Turtle Pond loop.
Day Hikes Info
Bailey Bridge Trail: The Bailey Bridge Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that begins near the Twin Oaks Trail and ends at the junction that connects the Wauponsee Glacial Trail with Twin Oaks Trail. Unlike other hikes at Midewin, the Bailey Bridge Trail is not a loop trail, but it intersects with numerous other trails, which provides visitors opportunities to extend their hikes and create their own path back to the trailhead.
Chicago Road Seedbed: It will take a walk or bicycle ride to visit these seedbeds, located one mile south of the Hoff Road Trailhead. There is a nice walking trail around Turtle Pond here, too.
Hedgeapple Trail: Hedgeapple Trail is a 1.6 mile trail that links with the Group 63 and the Twin Oaks Trails near Hoff Road Trailhead.
Twin Oaks Trail: The Twin Oaks Trail is a 6-mile long loop trail that follows a dirt road. The 6-mile trail begins at the southeast corner of the Group 63 Interim Trail and will take hikers, bikers and equestrians on a long loop head to the east of the prairie.
Turtle Pond: A mowed grass trail circles Turtle Pond for a short 0.3-mile walk. In and around the pond visitors will hear and see many types of wildlife, frogs, turtles and birds; along with butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies.
Hunting Info
Big Game Hunting
Whitetail archery and shotgun hunting is permited in the open areas that may be accessed via the Hoff Road Trailhead. All hunters must sign in and sign out using the hunter sign in sheets located at the trailheads. All Midewin and state rules and regulations must be followed. Hunters may use a bicycle to access their desired hunting locations.
Game Bird/Waterfowl
Turkey hunting is permitted in the open areas that may be accessed via the Hoff Road Trailhead. All hunters must sign in and sign out using the hunter sign in sheets located at the trailheads. All Midewin and state rules and regulations must be followed. Hunters may use a bicycle to access their desired hunting locations.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Chicago Road Seedbed: You are likely to see an array of butterflies and bees, as well as rabbits and deer.
Turtle Pond: In and around the pond visitors will hear and see many types of wildlife, frogs, turtles and birds; along with butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies.
Viewing Plants Info
Chicago Road Seedbed: Plantings for this seedbed began in 1996, the year Midewin was created. It is the second largest native plant seedbed at 2 acres. The plantings are mostly native grasses and forbs surrounded by a fence to prevent deer browsing.
Hedgeapple Trail: The trail will take pedestrians along a tree-lined corridor where you will see views of the restored prairie.
Twin Oaks Trail: After accessing the trail at the Hoff Road Trailhead, visitors will traverse past areas of restored prairie before arriving at Turtle Pond.
Turtle Pond: The nearby Chicago Road Seedbeds, fenced in to try and protect them from deer browsing, provide a riot of color in the spring, summer and even into fall as the native plants begin to bloom, preparing the seeds that Midewin employees will harvest to help restore the 20,000 acre prairie.
Viewing Scenery Info
The Hoff Road Trailhead provides access to several trails, Turtle Pond, bunker fields, and Bailey Bridge. You can view grasslands, small woodland areas, and Prairie Creek.
Picnicking - Single Info
Visitors can find picnic tables located just inside of the gate opening for the Hoff Road Trailhead. At this location there is also a tie up for horses.
Turtle Pond: The pond has few ammenities, but visitors will find picnic tables and equestrian users will find tie-ups available for their horses.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
Individuals may snowshoe Midewin during the winter if conditions permit. Snowshoers must follow Midewin boundary rules and stay in open areas only.