Bliss Woods
Kane County, Illinois

Bicycling is an especially good way to explore Bliss Woods and its environs. The 12-mile Virgil Gilman Trail crosses through the forest preserve on its way along an abandoned railroad from the east side of Aurora, passing high above the Fox River on a historic railroad bridge, to its endpoint at Waubonsee Community College. For more information, call the Fox Valley Park District at (630) 897-0516.

Another way to explore the area is to begin at the college and follow the trail to Aurora. There you can connect to the 37-mile Fox River Trail, which passes through several nature areas, forest preserves, and the river towns of Batavia, Geneva, Elgin, and Algonquin. This trail also links to several others, including the Illinois Prairie Path and the Great Western Trail, and connects to the larger 475-mile Grand Illinois bike trail system. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails. Trail maps are available at the information board at the main entrance to Bliss Woods, or at the Kane County Forest Preserve District office at 719 Batavia Rd., in Geneva.

Bicycles can be rented along the Fox River bike path in Geneva at Mill Race Cyclery, 11 E. State St., (630) 232-2833.