Hawthorn Woods is a region in Illinois known for its commitment to preserving natural spaces, offering a serene setting for outdoor activities. The area features diverse landscapes including woodlands, wetlands, and restored prairies, shaped by a "Rural by Design" ethos. These natural features provide opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, gravel biking, touring cycling, and more. The village's blend of local parks and nearby forest preserves creates a varied environment for outdoor enthusiasts.
58
Routes
4.6
(53)
Average rating
558
People visited

5.0
(4)
20
hikers
5.51km
01:24
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

19
hikers
4.09km
01:02
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
hikers
2.56km
00:40
10m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
7
hikers
3.28km
00:50
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(4)
8
riders
46.5km
02:46
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
38
riders
51.9km
04:20
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
21
riders
31.4km
02:04
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
21
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
runners
4.82km
00:30
20m
20m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
runners
4.94km
00:31
30m
30m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.70km
00:32
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

18
runners
11.8km
01:13
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
7
riders
29.5km
02:07
130m
130m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
6
riders
15.2km
01:01
70m
70m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(7)
24
riders
34.4km
01:47
110m
110m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(6)
21
riders
37.1km
01:58
120m
120m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
riders
32.2km
01:35
110m
110m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

12
riders
59.5km
02:47
140m
140m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(1)
14
riders
19.5km
00:51
80m
80m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

15
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Hawthorn Woods offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, gravel biking, touring cycling, and road cycling. The region features diverse landscapes such as woodlands, wetlands, and restored prairies, providing varied terrain for exploration. More than 2,000 visitors have shared their experiences, with routes receiving an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars.
Yes, Hawthorn Woods provides trails suitable for various fitness levels, including options for beginners. Many routes are relatively flat and feature well-maintained gravel paths and boardwalks. For specific recommendations, consult the guide Easy hikes around Hawthorn Woods.
Popular hiking areas in Hawthorn Woods include Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve, offering a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) trail through marshland and oak woodlands. Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve features a 2.0-mile (3.2 km) loop that crosses creeks and skirts a reservoir. The Des Plaines River Trail also provides extensive hiking opportunities.
Hawthorn Woods is well-suited for gravel biking, with many trails featuring crushed gravel surfaces. The Des Plaines River Trail, particularly north of Northwest Highway, is a local favorite for gravel riders. Other forest preserves like Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds and Lakewood Forest Preserve also offer extensive gravel trail networks. Find more information in the guide Gravel biking around Hawthorn Woods.
The area around Hawthorn Woods offers options for both touring and road cycling. The Millennium Trail Loop in Lake County is a moderate 28.9-mile (46.5 km) route with diverse scenery and mostly paved surfaces. The Des Plaines River Trail connects to other major trails, facilitating longer touring routes. Explore options in the guides Cycling around Hawthorn Woods and Road Cycling Routes around Hawthorn Woods.
Hawthorn Woods features diverse natural landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, and restored prairies. Preserves like Brierwoods Preserve offer observation decks overlooking wetlands and support a Migratory Monarch Project. The area is rich in natural elements such as trees, butterflies, plants, and various wildlife.
Many trails in Hawthorn Woods are suitable for families, offering accessible and relatively flat paths. Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, for example, provides a 2.0-mile (3.2 km) loop with wide paths. Hawthorn Trails Park also features walking trails and a playground, making it suitable for families.
Komoot offers several guides for Hawthorn Woods, covering various activities. These include Hiking around Hawthorn Woods, Easy hikes around Hawthorn Woods, Running Trails around Hawthorn Woods, Gravel biking around Hawthorn Woods, Cycling around Hawthorn Woods, and Road Cycling Routes around Hawthorn Woods.
Hawthorn Woods is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts on komoot, with more than 2,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The routes in the region have received an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars from over 150 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
The Des Plaines River Trail is a significant resource in the Hawthorn Woods region, spanning 31.4 miles (50.5 km) through Lake County. It is primarily a gravel trail, winding through 12 forest preserves and offering picturesque views. It is popular for running, hiking, and biking, and connects to other major trail systems.
Official information about the Village of Hawthorn Woods can be found on their website. The official website is vhw.org. For direct inquiries, the main phone number for the Village of Hawthorn Woods is (847) 438-5500.

