McKee Marsh loop

The McKee Marsh loop is approximately 3.1 to 3.3 miles long and generally takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete at a moderate hiking pace. This can vary depending on your speed and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or birdwatch.

The trail features a mix of surfaces, with much of the main loop consisting of compacted gravel, making it accessible for various activities. You'll encounter gently rolling hills, open and sunny stretches, and wooded areas, particularly along the Catbird Trail which winds beneath old-growth oak trees. The landscape includes wetlands, prairies, and oak and hickory woodlands.

Yes, the McKee Marsh loop is considered easy to moderately easy, making it suitable for all skill levels, including beginners and families. It has minimal elevation gain, providing an enjoyable walk without significant physical challenge.

The primary scenic highlight is the McKee Marsh itself, which is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. You might spot diverse species like Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets, especially during spring and fall migrations. The trail also offers views of Sanctuary Pond, White Pine Pond, and Sand Pond, as well as prairies, wildflowers in spring, and changing foliage in the woodlands. Keep an eye out for deer too!

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall are particularly good for birdwatching due to migrations and offer beautiful wildflowers or changing foliage. Summer provides lush greenery, while winter can offer a peaceful, snow-covered landscape. The compacted gravel surface makes it accessible in most conditions.

Yes, the trails within Blackwell Forest Preserve, including the McKee Marsh loop, are dog-friendly. However, all dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of all visitors.

Parking is available at Blackwell Forest Preserve. There are designated parking areas that provide direct access to the trail system, including the McKee Marsh loop. Look for signs directing you to the main parking lots within the preserve.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required for general hiking access to Blackwell Forest Preserve or the McKee Marsh loop. The preserve is open to the public for recreational use.

Yes, the McKee Marsh loop is part of the broader trail system within Blackwell Forest Preserve. It intersects with and utilizes sections of the West Branch DuPage River Trail, Bobolink Trail, Catbird Trail, DuPage Regional Bike Trail, and Nighthawk Trail. For longer excursions, it can even link to Herrick Lake and the Illinois Prairie Path.

While there isn't water directly on the McKee Marsh loop, Blackwell Forest Preserve offers a small picnic area and an onsite port-a-potty. There are also observation decks and a bird blind at McKee Marsh for enhanced viewing.

Beyond its natural beauty and birdwatching opportunities, McKee Marsh holds paleontological importance. In 1977, the 13,000-year-old skeleton of a woolly mammoth, one of the oldest finds in northeastern Illinois, was discovered here. Educational signs along the trails describe its history and ecological significance.