Chester Woods Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The loop follows mostly trails with some gravel and paved connections. Hikers will enjoy a variety of terrain depending on what area of the park they are in.

Must enter through main gate. $5 per car or $25 per year. Closed during selected periods relating to park management and deer conservation. For example: In 2018, Chester Woods is closed Nov. 8th - 11th and Nov. 17th - 25th. for DAV and herd management deer hunts. Check the park's website for current closures.

This hike starts in one of several parking areas. From there, it is easy access to the paths. The route covers a variety of footings and environments.

Starting this hike, head through the woods along the lake via a crushed rock path with segments of paved trails. After crossing the bridge by the central water access location, you'll enter a meadow. The end of the prairie will lead you back into the woods with several path options.

To extend the hike to the south side of the park, I choose to go right and make my way through the valleys in the woods. This loop brings you on a circle back to the dam overlook and eventually back to the meadow at the central water access and back to paths leading to your vehicle.

Throughout this hike, multiple trail access points can either extend or shorten the mileage. I was looking for a desired distance due to a taper before a running event. Regardless, Chester Woods is a fun and safe location for hiking a variety of mileage.

This area was once used for farmland, wooded area, and sport hunting. After floods and severe weather lead to damage in the surrounding area, a park and water flow management dam was created to improve the weather/water management and drainage in the future.