Directions: This moderate trip on the East Branch of the DuPage River begins at Lisle Community Park. The put-in is just south of Short Street and west of the Short Street bridge, accessible from the parking lot near ball field #1 (1825 Short Street, Lisle). The take-out, at Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, is approximately 0.3 miles north of Boughton Road, one mile west of Route 53.
Notes: Completed in 2021, the Lisle Community Park Boat Launch came to fruition after persistent efforts by the Lisle Park District. Passing through Greene Valley Forest Preserve, this trip offers impressive scenery and the chance to view wildlife despite the channelized nature of the East Branch. Minor obstacles may be present, and low water levels may present a challenge during dry spells.
Always check United States Geological Survey (USGS) water data before your trip.
1 thought on “Lisle Community Park to Hidden Lakes Trout Farm”
There are several unusually large boulders in the river inside Seven Bridges Golf Course, just after the 4th bridge (41.7652461, -88.0747057). Proceed with caution—I’m an experienced paddler, and I got pinned on two of them and nearly capsized. The current pulls hard to the left, where the boulders are tightly packed. It might look like a fun line, but the risk isn’t worth it. I recommend taking the right side instead. It’s much shallower and may not always have flowing water, depending on river levels, but it’s the safer route.