The best walks and hikes around Arlington Heights

Yes, most of the major forest preserves in the area allow dogs, but they must be leashed. The trails at Busse Woods and Deer Grove Forest Preserve are popular choices for walking with dogs. Always check the specific regulations for the preserve you plan to visit before you go.

For a simple and scenic family walk, the Lake Arlington loop from Wheeling Township is an excellent choice. It's a paved 2.7-mile (4.3 km) path around the lake, perfect for strollers and young children. Another great option is the Red Trail — Busse Forest Nature Preserve, which offers a manageable 3.6-mile (5.8 km) paved route through the woods.

Many trails in the area are paved, making them ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. The extensive trail system at Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) is almost entirely paved, including the popular Red Paved loop. Lake Arlington also features a paved path around its perimeter.

The region is mostly flat, so you won't find strenuous mountain climbs. However, for a more challenging experience, head to the west side of Deer Grove Forest Preserve. It features unpaved footpaths with more rugged and rolling terrain through ravines and dense forest, offering a greater sense of wilderness compared to other local trails.

For a unique wildlife experience, visit the Busse Forest Elk Pasture, where you can see a herd of resident elk in a large enclosure. For birdwatching, Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is a fantastic spot, with its restored prairies and wetlands attracting herons, bluebirds, and even bald eagles.

There are nearly 50 curated hiking routes to explore around Arlington Heights. These range from short, easy loops within local parks to longer, more involved treks through the expansive forest preserves.

The trails around Arlington Heights are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paved paths in Busse Woods and the beautiful prairie landscapes at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve.

The area is perfect for loop hikes. For a shorter, scenic loop, consider the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve loop. This nearly 2-mile (3.2 km) gravel trail takes you around a reservoir and through open prairie, making for a peaceful walk.

The trails at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve are primarily unpaved gravel paths. They wind through open prairies and cross several boardwalks over wetlands. The main loop around the reservoir is generally flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for most skill levels.

For a hike with good tree cover, the trails within Deer Grove Forest Preserve and Busse Woods are your best options. These preserves feature large sections of dense, mature woodlands that provide ample shade, especially on the unpaved paths in Deer Grove's western section.

Yes, all the major forest preserves like Busse Woods, Deer Grove, and Buffalo Creek have dedicated parking lots near their main trail access points. Local parks such as Lake Arlington also provide ample parking for visitors.