The best running trails around Arlington Heights

Arlington Heights offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 80 different options available on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, from easy loops to more challenging long-distance trails.

You'll find a diverse range of terrain for jogging in Arlington Heights. Many routes feature well-maintained paved trails, such as those in Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) and around Lake Arlington. Other areas, like Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve and sections of the Des Plaines River Trail, offer crushed gravel paths winding through prairies and wetlands. Community parks also provide a mix of paved and natural surfaces.

Yes, Arlington Heights has several easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. For instance, the 1.8-mile paved loop around Lake Arlington is ideal. Many community parks like Camelot Park and Pioneer Park also offer shorter, accessible paths. There are 7 easy routes listed on komoot for the area.

Absolutely. For longer runs, the extensive trail network within Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) offers nearly 13 miles of paved trails, including the popular 8.0-mile Busse Woods Red Loop. The Des Plaines River Trail also provides opportunities for extended runs, connecting to various natural areas. One of the longest routes available is the Mirror Lake – Cincinnati Flying Pig Statues loop from Columbia Township, which spans over 20 miles.

The running trails in Arlington Heights are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 3.8 stars from over 6 reviews. More than 600 runners have explored the area using komoot, often praising the scenic views, well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to encounter local wildlife.

Many of the forest preserves and community parks in Arlington Heights are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash. Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) and Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve are popular choices for running with dogs, offering ample space and varied scenery. Always check specific park regulations before heading out.

For scenic runs, head to Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), where you can enjoy picturesque lake views and potentially spot deer and elk along the trails. The loop around Lake Arlington also offers serene water views. Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve provides beautiful vistas of restored prairies and wetlands.

Yes, loop trails are abundant in Arlington Heights. The 1.8-mile paved path around Lake Arlington is a perfect loop for a quick run. Within Ned Brown Forest Preserve, the 8.0-mile Busse Woods Red Loop is a well-known circular route. Other popular loops include the Running loop from The Neighborhoods of Summit Park and the Hyde Park Square loop from Columbia Township.

Most major forest preserves and community parks in Arlington Heights offer dedicated parking facilities. For example, Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), Lake Arlington, and Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve all have parking lots conveniently located near trailheads. Smaller community parks like Pioneer Park and Camelot Park also provide accessible parking.

While much of Arlington Heights is relatively flat, you can find opportunities for hill training. The twin parks of Green Slopes and Hickory Meadows feature a sledding hill at Green Slopes that runners can utilize for incline workouts. Additionally, some routes like the Eden Park Standpipe – Eden Park loop from Oakley offer elevation changes through parkland.

Jogging routes in Arlington Heights offer a variety of sights. In Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods), you might spot local wildlife like deer and waterfowl, and even an elk pasture. The trails around Lake Arlington provide serene lake views. If you venture towards routes like the Eden Park Standpipe – Eden Park loop from Oakley, you could pass by landmarks such as the Lookout Tower or the beautiful Buckeye Falls.

For a quieter experience, consider exploring some of the smaller community parks or less-trafficked sections of the larger preserves during off-peak hours. Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, with its 5.5 miles of gravel trails through restored prairies, can often feel less crowded than the more popular Busse Woods, especially on weekdays. Parks like Heritage Park or Lake Terramere Park also offer tranquil settings.