The best city hikes and walks in DuPage County

DuPage County offers a wide selection of urban hiking trails. This guide features 10 curated routes, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate hikes, providing diverse options for exploring the area's natural beauty within its urban and suburban settings.

Yes, DuPage County has many easy urban hiking trails perfect for beginners. For example, the Community Park Loop is an easy option, as is the Salt Creek Trail Loop. These trails typically feature flat or gently rolling terrain, making them accessible for all skill levels.

Many urban hiking trails in DuPage County are family-friendly, offering easy paths and scenic surroundings. The Naperville Riverwalk Loop is a great choice, providing paved paths along the river with plenty of points of interest. Forest preserves like Blackwell and Herrick Lake also offer accessible trails suitable for families.

Many forest preserves and urban trails in DuPage County are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. Always check specific preserve rules before heading out. The extensive network of trails within the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County generally welcomes leashed dogs.

Yes, DuPage County offers urban trails with beautiful natural features. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is renowned for its scenic Rocky Glen Waterfall and the Sawmill Creek bluff overlook. You can also find picturesque views along the Salt Creek Greenway Trail, which follows the Salt Creek.

DuPage County's forest preserves and natural areas are home to diverse wildlife. Hikers often spot deer, beavers, and various bird species, especially along waterways like Salt Creek and the DuPage River. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve alone is home to over 300 species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles, making it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing.

Yes, several urban hiking routes in DuPage County are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Community Park Loop, the Salt Creek Trail Loop, and the Naperville Riverwalk Loop, which are all designed as loops for convenience.

Urban hiking in DuPage County is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. Summer is perfect for longer days on the trails, and even winter provides unique, serene landscapes, especially after a fresh snowfall. The Morton Arboretum, for instance, is open year-round.

Many urban hiking trails in DuPage County are close to interesting attractions. Along the West Branch DuPage River, you can find the West Branch Riverway Forest Preserve. Other notable spots include Danada Forest Preserve and the Sawmill Creek Bridge in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The Illinois Prairie Path also connects various communities and downtowns, offering opportunities to explore local shops and cafes.

The komoot community highly rates urban hiking in DuPage County, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained trails, the peaceful escape offered by the forest preserves, and the accessibility of nature within an urban setting. The diversity of landscapes, from woodlands to prairies, is also frequently highlighted.

For those seeking a longer and slightly more challenging urban hike, the West Branch DuPage River Trail and Naperville Riverwalk Loop offers a moderate difficulty level. This route combines two popular trails for an extended adventure, covering over 13 kilometers.

While many forest preserves and trailheads in DuPage County are best accessed by car, some urban trails, particularly those connected by the Illinois Prairie Path, can be reached via public transport options that serve the various towns and communities. It's advisable to check local bus or Metra train schedules and connections to specific trailheads.