The fall colors in northeast Illinois are not the best this year. Not enough rain during the summer months to really bring out the fall colors in all their brilliance and any rain at this time of year, just pushes the leaves off the trees.
Parking in the circle lot was empty when I arrived at 9 AM. Headed down the stairs, over the first bridge and went south to more stairs, down to the lower dells area. The waterfall wasn't running. The trails were muddy and the fallen leaves were slippery.
Back up the stairs and over another bridge.
Stayed on the south 1 mile horse trail towards the Vermillion River, hoping to see riders, but instead saw a flock of about 8 - 10 wild turkeys. I wonder if they somehow knew they were in the protected area here. If they venture further south into the woods, they would be in hunting area.
This tom was all puffed up trying to move the ladies along, a little blurry because he was quick!
Turned around for the 1 mile trip back past the starting point bridge and continued north to the lake and the giants bath tub. Shortcut to the north horse parking lot so I could avoid the stairs back up because of my bad knee. Still no horses, but there was an empty trailer so there are horses around somewhere.
Walked the entrance road back to the parking lot. In all probably a 4 - 5 mile hike today. I miss the woods and the horses. This is the time of year I really enjoyed riding, well maybe except when the bucks would follow us on trail. They would charge if feeling threatened.
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