Plains on the right bank of Illinois River lie 250-300 ft higher than the ground along the river itself. Water coming down from the plains into the river naturally carves curvy hollows and leaves high bluffs between them. The trail takes advantage of this landscape and goes up and down numerous times utilizing switchbacks, standalone steps, wooden staircases and concrete bridges across brooks. As the trail goes all the way through a forest, there no views but also no city noises except for the sections directly adjacent to roads.

Starting at the lower parking lot of Camp Wokanda the trail goes through Robinson Park, under IL-6 freeway, passes the abandoned Green Valley Camp formerly operated by Salvation Army, enters Detweiller Park and ends there by Dogwood shelter. There are mileposts every 0.25 mi and trail signs at most junctions except for Robinson Park where it gets a little confusing.