Why Lake Patterson and Oakhurst Forest Preserve?
If you are looking for a new hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking and sledding hill destination around Naperville/Aurora area, Lake Patterson is an absolute hidden gem.
The 1.7-mile trail meanders the stunning lake
Tip: The GPS directions aren’t great, set your GPS here to get to the parking lots near the lake. As long as you aim for the sledding hill on the 5th avenue, you should be fine!
The giant Oakhurst Forest Preserve sign beckons you from the 5th avenue entrance.
There are a couple of picnic shelters, handy for a quick bite before or after the hike and the hill ascend.
The 55-acre lake is the main highlight.
#Funfact – this lake was actually dug out in the middle of the preserve as a flood control and detection system.
The 1.7-mile loop trail around the lake is mostly flat and suitable for all ages. Note that the most of the trail is without the shade so might get a bit too toasty in peak summer sun.
The hiking path is mostly gravel, with some asphalt
There is no boat rental facility but you could launch your own boats and kayaks in the lake.
The dirt after digging the 55-acre lake led to the origin of the adjoining mound hill, which is a huge hit for sledding in the winter months.
The hill looks soo different during summer months!
Here’s the hill in spring, where kiddos were raging up and down without a care in the world.
The marquee up on top acts like a compass.
The views atop the hill make it worth the climb.
At the back of the hill, there is a neatly tucked in ridge, and you could take that trail to reach the front of the preserve.
#MildlyInteresting – We found a lesser-used path with steep descent at the end of the ridge and used that to shimmy down the hill, much to the excitement of the kids in our troupe.
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