lush forest by AndreyP  Detweiller Park is one of the city parks located on forested Illinois River bluffs. Besides over 4 miles of hiking trails this park has 10 soccer fields, rugby and football fields, picnic shelters, children playgrounds, open grassy areas and an open slope used as a sledding area in winter. Huge parking lot at Dogwood & Pine Shelters provides access to park's Pimiteoui and Ridge Top Trails and also to Illinois River Bluff Trail that ends here and connects Detweiller Park to Robinson Park and Camp Wokanda to the north. From here northbound Pimiteoui trail shares way with Illinois River Bluff Trail, crosses the north branch of Detweiller Drive, goes down to the brook, turns left at a junction and ascends on top of another bluff where it ends with a small loop where sits a lone picnic table and stands a bench with a view of a neighborhood sitting on yet another bluff. Ridge Top Trail goes up and ends at north branch of Detweiller Drive that carries a lot of traffic and doesn't have sidewalks, so a loop with Pimiteoui trail is possible but not advised. Southbound Pimiteoui trail allows to take a loop or figure eight hike combining with Oak, Dry Run and River Overlook Trails. South branch of Detweiller Drive doesn't see much traffic and can be used as a connector between Oak and River Overlook Trails. Of course, there is no river view from River Overlook Trail except maybe in winter as the trail goes through lush forest. Small parking lot at Moose Shelter serves as a trailhead for Pimiteoui and Dry Run Trails with wooden gates signifying trails entrances. Gate Policy: If a gate is closed upon arrival, leave it closed after you go through. If it is open, leave it open. Leaving a closed gate open may put cattle in danger. Closing an open gate may cut them off from water. Please be respectful, leave gates as found. One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
