The best walks and hikes in Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve
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Hiking in Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve offers routes through a 1,172-acre landscape of meadows, woodlands, and grassland habitats. The terrain is characterized by generally flat paths with some gentle inclines, and the West Branch of the DuPage River runs through the preserve. A key feature is its connection to the North Central DuPage Regional Trail, which links to the neighboring Mallard Lake and West Branch Forest Preserves.
Best hiking trails in Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve
- The most popular hiking route…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
5.83km
01:30
20m
20m
Explore the diverse scenery of Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve on an easy 3.6-mile (5.8 km) hike. You'll encounter expansive grassy meadows, mature woodlands, and unique fens, with a gentle elevation…
6
hikers
8.01km
02:04
40m
40m
Embark on the North Central DuPage Regional Trail, a moderate 5.0 miles (8.0 km) hike that takes about 2 hours and 4 minutes to complete. You'll experience a gentle elevation…
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1
hikers
9.50km
02:26
40m
40m
Embark on the West Branch Forest Preserve Loop, a moderate hike that takes you through a diverse landscape. This route covers 5.9 miles (9.5 km) with a gentle elevation gain…
3.73km
00:57
10m
10m
Embark on the Meadowlark Trail Loop for an easy hike through the peaceful forest setting of Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve. This route offers a relaxing journey, covering 2.3 miles (3.7…
7.38km
01:54
40m
40m
Explore the West Branch and Hawk Hollow forest on an easy hike spanning 4.6 miles (7.4 km), with a gentle elevation gain of 120 feet (37 metres). You can expect…
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Tips from the Community
West Branch Forest Preserve, a 713-acre area comprised of meadows, wetlands, forests, and prairies, offers trails, fishing opportunities, wildlife viewing, and picnic areas. Open from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset, the preserve welcomes dogs on leashes no longer than 10 feet, and alcohol is prohibited. Originally used for flood control, the preserve now includes a reservoir that naturally filters stormwater. It's home to reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds, including grassland and migratory shorebirds.
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This area is mostly an open meadow with beautiful wildflowers. The preserve offers 5.6 miles of trails that weave through the area, connecting Mallard Lake Forest Preserve and West Branch Forest Preserve. The path is fine gravel so will not suit the narrowest of road tire. It is best to view the preserve from the roadside.
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Stretching for 11.6 miles, this trail features a mix of crushed limestone and paved surfaces. The section loops around Mallard Lake, providing a pleasant view of the water throughout the journey.
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Spanning 713 acres, West Branch Forest Preserve captivates with diverse habitats, plants, and wildlife. Initially acquired for flood control, it now boasts a reservoir for stormwater collection and natural filtration. The preserve showcases two lakes, wetlands, a tallgrass meadow, a wet prairie, an immature floodplain forest, and a rare fen.
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Mallard Lake, spanning 948 acres, showcases the District's largest recreational lake, an expansive 85-acre water haven. Its diverse landscape encompasses open waters, wetlands, fields, and scattered woodlands, providing a habitat for various wildlife species like beavers, great blue herons, bullfrogs, eastern meadowlarks, bobolinks, red-tailed hawks, and kestrels. With its rich biodiversity, Mallard Lake invites nature enthusiasts to explore its scenic beauty and observe the thriving wildlife.
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This area is mostly an open meadow with beautiful wildflowers. The preserve offers 5.6 miles of trails that weave through the area, connecting Mallard Lake Forest Preserve and West Branch Forest Preserve.
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This area is mostly an open meadow with beautiful wildflowers. The preserve offers 5.6 miles of trails that weave through the area, connecting Mallard Lake Forest Preserve and West Branch Forest Preserve.
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Mallard Lake is an enchanting place where to spend leisure time. Walking, bird watching, and fishing are some of the activities you can do there in addition to biking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve?
Yes, dogs are welcome but must be on a leash on the main trails. For off-leash fun, the preserve features a 34-acre, fully fenced off-leash dog area with separate sections for large and small dogs.
What is the terrain like on the hiking trails?
The trails are generally flat with some gentle inclines, making them accessible for most fitness levels. The main paths are surfaced with crushed limestone, providing a stable surface for walking, while some secondary trails are mowed grass.
How long are the hikes in Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve?
Hikes vary in length. You can find short, easy walks within the preserve, or take on longer routes. For a longer, more challenging hike, the Illinois Prairie Path (Elgin Branch) is a difficult 12.9-mile (20.8 km) option that connects to the local trail system.
Can I do a short, easy loop walk?
Absolutely. The preserve is well-suited for shorter, leisurely walks. A great option is the Mallard Lake loop via North Central DuPage Regional Trail, an easy 1.5-mile (2.3 km) walk that takes around 40 minutes and explores the area connecting to the neighboring preserve.
Are there opportunities for bird watching?
Yes, Hawk Hollow is an excellent spot for bird watching. The diverse habitats of grasslands, woodlands, and riverbanks attract many species. Keep an eye out for Henslow's sparrows, bobolinks, and eastern meadowlarks, as well as various woodpeckers and warblers, especially during migration seasons.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the preserve's expansive open grasslands, the well-maintained crushed limestone trails, and the peaceful atmosphere along the West Branch of the DuPage River.
Can I extend my hike into other parks or preserves?
Yes, Hawk Hollow is a key part of the North Central DuPage Regional Trail. A bridge over County Farm Road connects it directly to Mallard Lake Forest Preserve. From there, you can also connect to West Branch Forest Preserve for even longer adventures.
What is the total length of the trail system?
Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve itself contains about 5.6 miles (9 km) of trails. However, its connections to the wider regional trail network mean you can access a much larger system for extended hikes.
What kind of scenery can I expect?
The preserve is known for its picturesque landscapes, featuring one of the largest unbroken blocks of grassland in DuPage County. You'll hike through vast meadows, mature oak woodlands, and along the scenic West Branch of the DuPage River, which flows through the area.
Where can I park at Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve?
There is a main parking lot for Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve located off Morton Road in Bartlett. This provides direct access to the trail system and other facilities like the off-leash dog area.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Hawk Hollow is beautiful year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for birdwatching during migration and enjoying pleasant temperatures. Summer brings vibrant wildflowers like wild bergamot and prairie sunflowers to the grasslands, while winter offers a quiet, stark beauty for a peaceful walk.
Most popular routes in Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve
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