The best walks and hikes around Bensenville
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Hikes around Bensenville Illinois provide access to a network of trails within the forest preserves of DuPage and Cook Counties. The landscape is defined by woodlands, river corridors like the Des Plaines River, and preserved wetlands. Most routes follow gentle gradients on paved or crushed gravel surfaces, making them suitable for a wide range of activities.
Best hiking trails around Bensenville
- The most popular hiking route is Red Paved loop — Busse Forest Nature Preserve, a 7.4 mile (12.0 km) trail that takes around 3 hours to complete. This paved loop offers a long, continuous path through the preserve's woodlands.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Schiller Woods to Robinson Woods North via Des Plaines River Trail — Chicago, an easy 4.7 mile (7.6 km) path. The trail follows the Des Plaines River corridor, connecting two sections of forest preserve.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Salt Creek Greenway — Cricket Creek County Forest Preserve, a 3.0 mile (4.8 km) trail leading through woodlands, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Bensenville is defined by riverside greenways, expansive forest preserves, and paved multi-use paths. The trail network provides options for both short, easy walks and longer, moderate hikes.
- The routes in Bensenville are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.2 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 180 hikers have used komoot to explore Bensenville's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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The Stonewort Pond, Green Lake and Riverbend Pond Loop offers a serene journey through the Cricket Creek County Forest Preserve, connecting you with several tranquil water bodies. You'll enjoy a mellow, wooded path that provides ample shade, perfect for a quiet observation of nature. The route features picturesque views of Stonewort Pond, Green Lake, and Riverbend Pond, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like turtles and deer along the way.
This easy 1.7-mile (2.7 km) hiking loop has a negligible 13 feet (4 metres) of elevation gain and takes roughly 40 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a quick outing. Parking is conveniently available near the trailhead within the preserve, and there are no permits or fees required. It's a great option for families or anyone looking for an accessible, refreshing walk.
What truly sets this trail apart is its ability to deliver a rich natural setting in a short, easy package. The flat, well-maintained path around Green Lake is particularly notable for its diverse wildlife, including large fish visible in the water. This loop provides a peaceful escape, proving that you don't need a long, strenuous hike for a rewarding outdoor experience.
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Explore the Springbrook Nature Center on an easy hiking route that guides you through diverse natural environments. You will encounter forests, open prairies, and wetlands, with the trail winding through oak and aspen trees. A notable feature is the 900-foot-long floating boardwalk, offering unique views as you traverse directly over a wetland area. This pleasant journey covers 1.5 miles (2.5 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 13 feet (4 metres), typically taking around 37 minutes to complete.
Plan your visit knowing that the trails are open year-round and free for public access. While pets, bikes, and other wheeled transportation are not permitted on the paths, wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons are welcome. You will find benches conveniently placed along the route, providing spots for you to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Consider visiting during autumn for a particularly colorful backdrop as the leaves change.
This trail is an excellent choice for a quick and accessible outdoor adventure, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without a strenuous effort. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; you might spot deer, fox, or a variety of birds during your hike. The Springbrook Nature Center provides a rich tapestry of ecosystems, making it a valuable natural escape within the region.
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Hike the easy 2.4-mile Salt Creek Trail Loop through North Salt Creek County Forest Preserve, enjoying views along the creek.
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Hike the easy Wood Dale Grove South Loop Trail for scenic views of Grove Lake, diverse wildlife, and a quick outdoor escape.
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The Busse Woods Red Loop Trail is a 7.4-mile paved hike in Ned Brown Forest Preserve, offering lake views and a chance to spot elk.
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Tips from the Community
This small lake has a path encircling it and is easily accessed via Fullerton Avenue. It connected to other lakes and nature preserves via the Salt Creek Greenway.
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This lake is a key feature of the Salt Creek Water Trails, offering opportunities to explore the area by rowboat, canoe, or kayak, all of which can be rented nearby. Even if you choose to stay on land, the views from here are awesome.
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Cricket Creek County Forest Preserve is a 208-acre nature preserve. The park is popular for boating, picnicking and fishing. There are also several miles of trails that are great for walking.
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Green Lake is a beautiful lake in Cricket Creek County Forest Preserve. There is a trail that runs along the perimeter of the water, so you get great views of the lake.
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A well maintained flat path circles Green Lake in the Cricket Creek County Forest Preserve. Keep an eye out for turtles, deer and even huge fish in the water.
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A small rocky dam separates the North Pool and the Main Pool of Busse Lake from each other. The paved (and striped) Busse Woods Bicycle Trail (BWBT) passes directly between the two reservoirs and offers great views out onto the water.
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A small rocky dam separates the North Pool and the Main Pool of Busse Lake from each other. The paved (and striped) Busse Woods Bicycle Trail (BWBT) passes directly between the two reservoirs and offers great views out onto the water.
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This bridge crosses the canal that joins the two bodies of water. A truly scenic crossing!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails near Bensenville?
Yes, most forest preserves in DuPage and Cook Counties allow dogs on their trails, provided they are leashed. Popular choices for dog walkers include the extensive trail systems at Busse Woods and Meacham Grove Forest Preserve, which offer plenty of space for you and your canine companion to explore.
What are some good, easy hikes for families in the Bensenville area?
The Bensenville region is excellent for family outings, with many easy, flat trails. The Salt Creek Greenway — Cricket Creek County Forest Preserve is a great option, offering a gentle path through woodlands. Additionally, the Redmond Recreational Complex in Bensenville has a 1.1-mile walking path perfect for a short, family-friendly stroll.
Can I find any hiking trails with waterfalls near Bensenville?
The immediate Bensenville area is characterized by gentle woodlands and prairies, so you won't find natural waterfalls on the local trails. For significant waterfalls and canyons, you would need to take a day trip to Starved Rock State Park, which is a couple of hours' drive away but offers a much more rugged hiking experience.
Are there any paved walking trails suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?
Absolutely. Many trails in the area are paved multi-use paths. A great example is the Red Paved loop — Busse Forest Nature Preserve, which provides a long, paved surface ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, and cycling.
Where can I find a good circular walk or loop trail?
If you prefer a hike that starts and ends in the same place without backtracking, the area has several options. The loop trail in Mallard Lake Forest Preserve is a local favorite that circles a large lake. For a longer circuit, the main trail at Busse Woods offers a substantial loop through the forest.
How can I access the Illinois Prairie Path from near Bensenville?
The Illinois Prairie Path is a major trail system accessible from several nearby towns. A good access point is via the Eisenhower Park via Illinois Prairie Path — Bellwood route, which connects local parks to this historic rail-to-trail path for a longer excursion.
What are the parking situations at the main forest preserves?
Most of the major forest preserves near Bensenville, such as Busse Woods, Herrick Lake Forest Preserve, and Catherine Chevalier Woods, have dedicated parking lots at their main trailheads. These are generally free to use. However, they can get busy on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a spot.
Are there trails that follow a river?
Yes, the Des Plaines River Trail is a significant greenway that runs through the region. You can experience a pleasant section of it on the Schiller Woods to Robinson Woods North via Des Plaines River Trail — Chicago hike, which follows the river corridor and connects two forest preserves.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Bensenville?
The trails around Bensenville are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the well-maintained paved and gravel paths, and the peaceful atmosphere of the woodland and lakeside scenery within the forest preserves.
How many hiking trails are available around Bensenville?
You can explore over 25 different hiking routes around Bensenville. The majority of these are easy trails suitable for all fitness levels, with a handful of moderate options for those seeking a slightly longer challenge. The terrain is mostly flat, focusing on woodlands and river greenways.
What kind of scenery can I expect on hikes near Bensenville?
The landscape is defined by classic Midwestern scenery. Expect to hike through protected woodlands, open prairies, and preserved wetlands. Many popular trails, like those in Herrick Lake Forest Preserve and Busse Woods, feature paths that wind around lakes and follow riverbanks, offering peaceful water views.
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