We have hiked Deer Run previously but stuck to the south end of the preserve. This time we ventured up to the north end and went into McKiski FP as well. 6.5 miles, about 3 hours and 50 minutes. Not all that much in the way of grade changes. Nice and easy horse trails most of the way.
We walked under this RR bridge to get to the northern side of DRFP. There is a broken cross beam and gusset on the under side of the bridge. I emailed the picture to the FP district. Maybe they can forward it to whoever owns the bridge in case it matters. In any case, a train went over it just before we went back under it on our way back and it did not collapse, so is probably not a real urgent matter.
These signs surround a field on the south side of the RR. I wondered what was so special about this particular field of weeds so emailed them about it as well. I got a response back that it was to keep vehicles out of the field while the native plants got going. He further replied they caused ruts in the field and vehicles got stuck out there. I guess you could get an ATV out there. The guy seemed moderately offended that I referred to them as weeds. He did say he was going to remove the signs as they are no longer needed. I was hoping for a family of cougars or something really cool.
ETA: 11-16-11
I got an email from the guy at the district today saying they burned half the field yesterday. He also said he took down the signs. I have seen the fields at Rock Cut after they burn there. Not real pretty but it is part of the natural cycle of the prairies to burn down now and then.
Deer Run map. Pretty good map.
McKiski Map. Does not show the very nice trail that circles around inside it. It appears the horse trail inside McKiski gets a fair amount of use. Since you have to hike about 2 and a half miles just to get to it, it probably does not get much foot traffic. Too bad. It is a nice hike.
There is occasional wind noise in the video as it was kind of windy sometimes.
Part 1 of the video from Deer Run.
The video from McKiski.
Part 2 of the video from Deer Run
ETA: 12-9-11
The county wide map shows it abuts Baumann Park in Cherry Valley so you might be able to get to it from there as well. However, the Baumann Park map on the CV website shows the park does not extend that far south. I send the village an email on 11/15 asking for clarification. i had not received a response so sent them a second request on 12/7. i got a response this time on 12/9. The gist of the response was that the Baumann park site does extend all the way to McKiski but the "lower field" part of the property is leased out for farming.
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