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Virgil L. Gilman Nature Trail

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This information is a public record of the 1981 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Virgil L. Gilman Nature Trail

City, Town, or County Backcountry Trail Rail Trail
  • Length
    3.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back

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The bridge over Galena Avenue. Courtesy http://www.about-bicycles.com/. Photo by Rob Chapman (c).
The bridge over Galena Avenue. Courtesy http://www.about-bicycles.com/. Photo by Rob Chapman (c).
  • The bridge over Galena Avenue. Courtesy http://www.about-bicycles.com/. Photo by Rob Chapman (c).
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Location: In SE corner of Kane Co., on W side of Aurora, accessed on Galena Blvd. (recertified 1993)

  • States: Illinois
  • Counties: Kane

This trail is 9 miles from Ohio Street, south of Montgomery, northwest to Bliss Woods on Bliss Road, north of Sugar Grove. The Fox River is crossed on a covered bridge between Rt. 25 and Rt. 31 in Aurora, north of Ashland Avenue. (630-897-0516).

The Virgil L. Gilman Nature Trail includes two abandoned railroad right-of-ways. Beginning at Business Rt. 30 near Montgomery Road, the trail stretches west, a distance of approximately 11.2 miles to Waubonsee Community College. The Virgil L. Gilman Trail was constructed by the Fox Valley Park District and the Kane County Forest Preserve District.

The Virgil L. Gilman Trail crosses Waubonsee Creek. Beyond the creek are wetlands, filled with small birds and waterfowl. Ducks, herons, and shore birds visit the marsh on their migratory flights. Redwing Blackbirds, the Downy Woodpecker, Cardinals, and Bluejays can be seen along the path, as well as wildflowers and small patches of native prairie. Cottonwoods, White Poplars, Sycamores, and White and Black Oak add to the sights to be seen. A truss bridge connects the two shores of the Fox River.

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Allowed Uses:

Bicycling Hiking/Walking Snow, cross-country skiing

Other Activities

  • Snow, snow play general

Public Contact

Fox Valley Park District
712 South River St.
Aurora, IL 60506

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): --
  • Elevation (high): --
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): Paved
  • Surfaces (additional): --
  • Tread Width (average): 0"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): --
  • Tread Grade (maximum):
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    Jan 11, 1981
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