At 1,520 acres, Cap Sauers Holding encompasses a broad swath of wooded bluffs and ravines, with 11 miles of hiking and biking trails for both nature lovers and active adults to enjoy. Spots within this expansive preserve hold the title for the farthest one can be from a road in Cook County. Hikers can wind their way into the preserve atop an esker--an ancient glacial riverbed--enjoying long views down into the woodlands below.
Enjoying Cap Sauers
Given its large size and diverse landscapes, there are a number of ways to experience Cap Sauers Holding. The yellow and green trail branches of the Sag Valley unpaved trail system are scenic options for jogging or bike riding, leading through grasslands, oak woodlands and wetland areas. Additional trails are accessible on the east side of 104th Avenue near Teason's Woods or Horsetail Lake. Each of these locations has parking lots with maps to navigate nearby trails.
Nature lovers will enjoy complete immersion on the Esker Trail, which leads into the heart of this preserve. A small trailhead leads in through tall grasses, followed by a footpath that quickly moves up along the top of the esker, providing views into the wooded areas below. Deep in the woods, hikers can leave traffic noise behind and listen to birdsong and the wind moving through the trees.
At the top of the Esker Trail, the woodland canopy opens up to reveal the calm and tranquil Visitation Prairie. Here prescribed burns have allowed the native prairie grasses and forbs to maintain a foothold against encroaching brush. Hikers can reconnect to the main gravel trail system from here.
Nice 8 mile gravel loop with a few more miles of connectors. Has some good climbs and nice scenery. Trail doesn't get the attention waterfall glen does, you may encounter washed out sections.
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