FRANKLIN CREEK CONSERVATION 1893 TWIST ROAD, FRANKLIN GROVE, IL 61031 815-456-2718
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  • Home
  • About
    • About FCCA
    • What's Happening at Franklin Creek
    • Board of Directors & Staff
    • Mission & Goals
    • Franklin Creek History
    • Publications/Archive
  • Donate
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Franklin Creek State Natural Area >
      • Directions
      • What to see
      • Trails >
        • FCSNA Trail Maps and descriptions
        • Larry Dunphy Storybook Trail
        • Husar Trail
        • Seasons of Change
      • What's in Bloom?
      • Invasive Species
      • Great Rocks
      • Birds on the Wing
      • Critters in Sight
    • Grist Mill >
      • Directions
      • Grist Mill Activities & Hours
      • Grist Mill Rental
      • Corn Grinding
      • Recipes at the Mill
    • Franklin Creek Headwaters
    • Other Attractions and Places to Stay
  • Programs & Events
    • 5K Race
    • Evenings at the Mill
    • Field Trips and Outreach >
      • K-12 Education >
        • Field Trips
        • Junior Naturalist
        • Scout and Home School Programs
      • In the Classroom
      • Presentations
    • Bluebell Photography Workshop
    • Dandelion Wine and Wild Fermentation
    • Escape Trail
    • 2023 Grist Mill Grind 10K
  • Store
  • Volunteer
    • Join FCCA
    • Volunteer Application
    • Land Stewardship >
      • Stewardship Workdays
      • Stewardship Activities
    • 1480 Old Mill Road >
      • Workdays
      • Progress
    • Education Committee
  • Contact

Trails


Franklin Creek State Natural Area
Franklin Creek Trail Map - North
Franklin Creek Trail Map - South
The above maps are georeferenced. If you download Avenza Maps and either of the three maps above to your phone, you can open the map pdf above in Avenza and find yourself on the trails just like Google Maps! This works even in poor cell reception areas.
Franklin Creek State Natural Area with Markers

HIKING TRAILS
Four and a half miles of hiking trails are marked and maintained at the natural area. On the marked map, you will see the numbered markers that match those on the trail to help guide your hike.

The Mill Springs Trail  (1457 Old Mill Rd.) is a unique, concrete-surfaced trail suitable for people of all mobility levels. The trail leads to the beautiful Mill Spring and possesses an easy rating. 

Pioneer Pass Trail is highly recommended to see the natural area's unique, natural beauty. Be prepared to walk through the creek. There are three creek crossings on FCSNA trails. See the map for more details.  
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The Seasons of Change Trail behind the Grist Mill runs through the prairie and along the creek, with signage that explains how the seasonal changes affect the different habitats.

The Husar Memorial Trail starts on Old Mill Road and meanders through woodlands. The signs contain quotes about nature and the trail leads to a contemplative sculpture and historic barn.

The Larry Dunphy Memorial Storybook Trail begins at the Hausen-Knox Shelter. The trail is an easy walk and each of the 16 panels tells the story of Miss Maple's Seeds. Great trail for kids!
Picture
One of three creek crossings
EQUESTRIAN TRAILS
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The equestrian area contains twelve miles of trails. The Rock River Trail and Horseman's Association have been instrumental in developing and maintaining this area. Equestrian facilities include a picnic shelter, restrooms, drinking water, and an outdoor show area.
Picture
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS
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Two miles of equestrian trails serve as ski trails winding through 65 acres of rolling wooded landscape. Trails possess a medium difficulty rating and are opened after hunting season closes.
Picture
© “Snowmobiling in New Brunswick” by Skeezix1000, Flickr, CC by 2.0
SNOWMOBILING TRAILS
Four miles of equestrian trails serve as snowmobile trails after the hunting season closes and a four inch snow base exists.

Location


Franklin Creek Conservation Association

1893 Twist Road
Franklin Grove, IL 61031

815.456.2718
engage@franklincreekconservation.org

Grist Mill Hours | APRIL 1ST – OCTOBER 31ST

Friday: Noon–4 pm | JUNE 1ST – AUGUST 31ST
Saturday: Noon–4 pm
Sunday: Noon–4 pm

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