The best running trails in DuPage County

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the Waterfall Glen Main Trail, a difficult 10.3 miles (16.6 km) loop. You will gain 265 feet (81 metres) in elevation, taking around 1 hour and 57 minutes to complete. As you jog, you will pass through diverse landscapes including hardwood trees, prairies, and savannas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as white-tailed deer and various birds along the way. Make sure to pause at the unique tiered Rocky Glen Waterfall for a scenic break.

The preserve welcomes visitors year-round, with access permitted from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset. You can easily find maps at the trailheads, ensuring you stay on course throughout your jog. Restrooms and water fountains are available for your convenience, but it is always a good idea to bring your own water bottle. Plan your visit during daylight hours to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

This trail offers a rewarding workout within the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The route provides opportunities to observe the local ecosystem, including its varied flora and fauna. You can also enjoy panoramic views from the Des Plaines River Scenic Overlook, adding another dimension to your outdoor activity. This challenging loop is a notable feature of the preserve, attracting joggers looking for a substantial route.

Set out for a moderate jogging experience on the Springbrook Prairie Trail loop, a 7.0 miles (11.2 km) route that takes about 1 hour and 19 minutes to complete. You will encounter a gentle elevation gain of 97 feet (30 metres) as you move through beautiful prairie settings. The well-maintained crushed limestone paths offer a smooth surface for your run. Enjoy wide-open views across the landscape, including an overlook near a model aircraft field, adding a unique point of interest to your journey. You will also pass a restored section of Spring Brook, featuring natural turns and wetlands.

Planning your visit to the Springbrook Prairie Trail loop is easy, with two convenient entrances and ample parking available. The paths are made of crushed limestone or gravel, making them well-suited for jogging, walking, or cycling. You will find that the trail is well-maintained throughout the year. For your convenience, amenities such as picnic areas, shelters, and restrooms are also available along the route.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the closest representations of native Illinois prairie. The area is known for its significant grassland bird community, so keep an eye out for species like meadowlarks and dickcissels. You might even spot state-endangered northern harriers soaring above the open fields. The natural oasis provides a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with the region's unique ecosystem.

You can enjoy a moderate jogging experience on the Green Heron and Danada-Herrick Lake Regional Trail Loop, covering 4.8 miles (7.7 km) with a gentle 79 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain. This route takes about 50 minutes to complete, winding through varied landscapes of mature forests, open fields, and scrubland. You will find beautiful water views around Herrick Lake, offering a refreshing backdrop for your run. The trail provides a diverse and engaging experience for joggers of many fitness levels.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trails within Herrick Lake Forest Preserve are generally well-maintained. You will mostly jog on wide, crushed limestone paths, with some paved sections for smooth going. Amenities like restrooms and picnic areas are available, making it easy to extend your outing if you wish. This preserve is a popular spot, welcoming walkers, bicyclists, and even horseback riders alongside joggers, so you will share the path with others.

This trail is notable for its rich wildlife, especially around Herrick Lake and its marsh areas. Keep an eye out for various bird species, including wood ducks and herons, which give the trail its name. The 887-acre Herrick Lake Forest Preserve offers a natural escape, allowing you to connect with nature and observe local fauna during your workout.

Explore the Night Heron Trail Loop, a moderate jogging route that takes you through the natural beauty of Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve. This 3.7-mile (6.0 km) path offers pleasant views as it follows Salt Creek, including the charming North Island. You will jog through dense hardwood forests on a varied mix of gravel, paved, and unpaved surfaces, completing the 41 feet (13 metres) of elevation gain in about 42 minutes.

When planning your visit, you will find parking generally available at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve, making access straightforward. This multi-use trail is popular for jogging, hiking, and Nordic skiing, so you can expect to share the path with others. The route is considered family-friendly and suitable for all skill levels, offering an accessible outdoor experience.

As you enjoy the trail, keep an eye out for herons at the designated viewing spot along Salt Creek. The preserve itself is a notable natural area, providing a peaceful setting for your activity. This trail offers a great way to experience the local environment and its wildlife within the Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve.

Embark on a challenging jogging experience along the Salt Creek Greenway Trail, a difficult route spanning 9.7 miles (15.6 km) with a modest 70 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain. As you move, you will discover a varied landscape, transitioning from cool, shaded canopies to expansive open prairies and savannas. The path frequently follows Salt Creek, offering serene views of the water and excellent chances to spot local wildlife, including deer, as you complete the journey in about 1 hour and 36 minutes.

When planning your visit, be aware that underpasses along the trail can become flooded, especially during heavy spring rains, so check conditions beforehand. While the route is generally well-maintained, some road crossings lack traffic lights, requiring extra caution. This popular trail is shared by joggers, bikers, and walkers, so expect company and be mindful of others on the path.

The Salt Creek Greenway Trail is a highlight within the Forest Preserves of Cook County, providing a refreshing escape into nature. You will jog through significant natural areas like Salt Creek Woods, where the creek itself is a central feature, enhancing the scenic beauty and ecological value of the area. This trail stands out for its accessibility to diverse natural habitats within a metropolitan region.

Start your jogging adventure on the Waubonsie Creek Trail, an easy 2.5 miles (4.0 km) route designed for a quick and enjoyable outing. You will experience varied scenery, moving through peaceful wooded areas and open prairies. The trail also guides you past the tranquil Lake Waubonsie, offering pleasant views as you go. With a minimal elevation gain of just 12 feet (4 metres), this paved path is mostly flat, making it ideal for a relaxed 24-minute jog. You will even cross a few bridges, adding to the visual interest of your run.

Planning your visit to the Waubonsie Creek Trail is straightforward, as access points and parking are readily available. You can find convenient parking at various locations, including Jaycee Park, the Civic Center and Aquatic Park, and Thompson Junior High School. This multi-use trail welcomes joggers, walkers, and even those with dogs, making it a great option for the whole family. As you navigate the path, be aware of a few road crossings that you will encounter.

The Waubonsie Creek Trail stands out as a perfect choice for those seeking an accessible and smooth jogging experience. Its paved surface ensures a comfortable run, while the diverse landscape keeps your journey engaging. The trail's integration within Waubonsie Lake Park highlights its role as a community asset, providing a natural escape within an urban setting. It offers a consistent and pleasant environment for your daily exercise.

If you're looking for a varied jogging experience, the Illinois Prairie Path - Aurora Branch offers a moderate 7.7 miles (12.4 km) route with a gentle 75 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this trail in about 1 hour and 17 minutes. As you jog, you'll pass through rural sections where you might spot wildlife, alongside wooded rail corridors, and recreated prairie restorations. Keep an eye out for the historic caboose display, a unique landmark along the way, as the scenery gradually shifts towards more urban settings near Aurora.

This well-maintained path is generally accessible, making it easy to plan your visit. You'll find convenient amenities like comfort stations, drinking fountains, and benches at various points along the route. Parking is also available, so you can easily access the trail and begin your jogging adventure without hassle.

The Illinois Prairie Path - Aurora Branch is notable for its diverse environments, transitioning from natural areas like Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve to more developed sections. This blend of natural beauty and urban approach offers a unique perspective on the region, making it a great choice if you appreciate a route with changing scenery and points of interest.

Embark on a moderate jogging route along the West Branch DuPage River Trail Loop, a 5.6-mile (8.9 km) path that offers a diverse landscape for your run. You will gain about 113 feet (35 metres) in elevation, with the entire loop taking around 56 minutes to complete. Expect a mix of paved surfaces, gravel paths, and natural ground as you pass through oak and hickory forests, grasslands, and wetlands, enjoying picturesque riverfront views.

This route is generally accessible and considered family-friendly, making it suitable for various skill levels. You can typically find parking available at Blackwell Forest Preserve, which serves as a convenient starting point for your outing. Plan your visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scenery and ensure a comfortable experience on the trail.

The West Branch DuPage River Trail Loop is a multi-use path popular not only for jogging but also for hiking and cycling. As you move along the river, keep an eye out for wetland species near McKee Marsh, adding a unique natural element to your journey. This trail offers a rewarding experience for anyone seeking an engaging outdoor activity in a varied environment.

Lace up your jogging shoes for the Bobolink Trail, an easy 2.7 miles (4.3 km) route that offers a refreshing outdoor experience. You will find yourself jogging alongside South Boulder Creek, with open fields where cows often graze stretching out towards distant views of the Flatirons. The trail meanders through riparian woods, providing a mix of sun and shade from cottonwood trees, and you will gain a gentle 20 feet (6 metres) in elevation over approximately 26 minutes.

When planning your visit, be aware that the Bobolink Trail can become quite muddy after rain or snow, so check conditions before you head out. If you are bringing your dog, it is a very dog-friendly area, with opportunities for off-leash exercise in designated sections if your pet has the proper tags. This makes it a great spot for a quick, accessible workout any day of the week.

This route is known for its abundant wildflowers and diverse wildlife, including its namesake, the bobolink bird. The Bobolink Trail also connects seamlessly with other pathways like the Boulder Creek Path, giving you the option to extend your jogging adventure if you are looking for a longer outing in the area.