Directions: McDowell Grove Forest Preserve is located on the east side of Raymond Road, at McDowell Avenue, in Naperville, just south of I-88. The take-out at Knoch Knolls Park is located on Knoch Knolls Road in Naperville, one mile west of Washington Street amd near the confluence of the two branches of the DuPage River.
Notes: The first half of this trip include the Fawell Dam (portage is on the right heading downstream), as well as the popular downtown Naperville Riverwalk and its covered bridges. Naperville Kayak offers rentals and lessons on the DuPage River and on the downtown Naperville Quarry. Some sections of the river here are filled with riffles and will be too shallow to paddle during the driest times of the year. But put-in just after a moderate rain and you’re in for a pleasant trip because this stretch is very scenic, even in the heavily settled areas of Naperville. The second half of the trip is mostly secluded, but very shallow. Check your water levels before canoeing.
Always check United States Geological Survey (USGS) water data before your trip.
