Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve via Middlefork Greenway — Lake Forest, Illinois

Parking is available at the Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve. The preserve is accessible via the Middlefork Greenway, which connects to various access points.

Yes, the trails at Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve are dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the preserve's natural beauty.

The Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve offers diverse scenery year-round. Spring and summer bring wildflowers and active wildlife, while fall showcases beautiful foliage. The gravel trails are generally well-maintained, making it suitable for jogging in most seasons, including cross-country skiing in winter.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and jog the trails at Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve.

The primary trails are mainly composed of gravel, offering about 5.5 miles of paths. There's also a shorter 0.5-mile mowed grass path. The Middlefork Greenway section is also a popular gravel path. Two boardwalks protect sensitive wetland areas. The terrain has an easy physical rating with minimal elevation gain.

Absolutely. The trails at Middlefork Savanna are considered easy, with very little elevation change (some sections have only a 2-foot climb). This makes it an ideal location for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog.

You'll experience a diverse landscape including oak savannas, prairies, sedge meadows, marshes, and deciduous woodlands. The middle fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River runs through the preserve, offering views of wetland wildlife like frogs, turtles, green herons, and great egrets. Look for bur oaks, shagbark hickories, wildflowers, and butterflies in season. The preserve also borders historic farm estates, Mellody Farm and Elawa Farm.

Yes, the preserve is home to a globally endangered tallgrass savanna, with a 25-acre parcel recognized as the highest quality of its kind in the U.S. You'll also cross a 221-foot steel pedestrian bridge over the Metra tracks, which connects to larger regional trail networks. The adjacent historic Elawa Farm and Mellody Farm add unique historical elements.

The Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve offers a network of trails, including loop options within the preserve. The main gravel trails provide various configurations for different distances, allowing you to create your own loop or out-and-back routes.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Middlefork Trail, OBT-8, Middlefork Greenway, and the George Beach Trail, connecting you to a broader network of paths.

The gravel trails are generally well-maintained and suitable for jogging in most seasons. In winter, the trails are popular for cross-country skiing, and while they may be snow-covered, they remain accessible for those prepared for winter conditions. Always check local conditions before heading out.