The best running trails around Lake Forest

The Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve via Middlefork Greenway offers a delightful jogging experience through one of Illinois' ecological treasures. This 5.1-mile (8.2 km) route, with a gentle 33 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, guides you along a mostly gravel path through expansive tallgrass savannas, oak woodlands, and wetlands. You'll cross boardwalks and the North Branch of the Chicago River, enjoying varied scenery and opportunities for wildlife sightings, making it one of the more popular trails for jogging in Lake Forest.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the preserve is easily accessible with available parking. This multi-use trail is perfect for a quick outing, taking approximately 57 minutes to complete at a jogging pace. Dogs are welcome on leash on the main gravel paths, but note they are not allowed on the shorter mowed grass sections. It's a great option for beginner jogging routes, offering a moderate challenge without significant climbs.

This area is a nationally significant ecological site, home to some of the best-preserved tallgrass savanna in the United States. Beyond its natural beauty, the trail connects to the historic Elawa Farm and features a unique pedestrian bridge over Metra tracks, blending natural and historical elements. The Middlefork Greenway jogging routes in Lake Forest, Illinois, provide a unique chance to explore a biodiversity hotspot.

The Old School Forest Preserve Loop offers a delightful and accessible jogging experience, guiding you through a serene landscape of woodlands and open prairies. You'll find yourself on well-kept gravel paths, with sections that provide tranquil pond views and opportunities for birdwatching. The scenery is especially captivating in August when the prairie flowers burst into a rainbow of colors, making for a truly picturesque run.

Planning your visit is simple, as the preserve provides convenient parking and requires no permits or entrance fees. This easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) route, with only 45 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick 30-minute jog. It's an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking a relaxed, dog-friendly outing, though remember to keep your canine companions on a leash.

Beyond its natural beauty, Old School Forest Preserve holds historical significance as Illinois' first forest preserve to integrate native prairie restoration with recreational facilities. The loop also connects to the broader Des Plaines River Trail, allowing for longer runs if desired, and even boasts a popular sledding hill that transforms the area into a winter wonderland.

The Half Day County Forest Preserve loop via Des Plaines River Trail offers a serene jogging experience, winding alongside the picturesque Des Plaines River. You'll find yourself surrounded by a lush canopy of oak, maple, and hickory trees, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like white-tailed deer and various bird species. The path is mostly packed dirt and gravel, leading you past the notable Wooden Bridge and offering tranquil views of Half Day Lake, one of Lake County's largest inland lakes.

This easy 2.9 miles (4.6 km) jogging route, with just 49 feet (15 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick 33-minute workout or a leisurely stroll. Parking is readily available at the Half Day County Forest Preserve, which also features amenities like picnic shelters and a playground. While the trail is generally accessible, be aware that sections can become muddy after rain, so consider your footwear, especially during wetter seasons.

Part of the extensive Des Plaines River Trail network, this loop is a fantastic option for those seeking family-friendly trails or jogging routes in the Half Day Forest Preserve area. The preserve is rich in biodiversity, offering excellent wildlife observation opportunities, and interpretive signs along the way provide fascinating details about the local environment and history. A footbridge even connects it to Wright Woods Forest Preserve, expanding your recreational options.

The Fort Sheridan Birding Trail Loop offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making it a fantastic choice for a quick outdoor escape. You'll jog through diverse ecosystems, from woodlands to savanna, and enjoy awe-inspiring views of Lake Michigan from a 70-foot-high bluff. Keep an eye out for the historic Fort Sheridan Water Tower and the tranquil Patton Pond as you navigate the varied terrain of grass, packed dirt, and some asphalt sections.

This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) jogging route, with just 58 feet (18 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 22 minutes, making it ideal for a refreshing run. The trail is generally considered easy, though the ravine portions may require more careful footing due to roots and uneven ground. It's a great option for beginner joggers or anyone seeking a scenic, low-impact workout.

What truly sets this trail apart is its exceptional birdwatching opportunities, being located on one of North America's busiest flyways with over 236 species observed. It also provides rare public access to Lake Michigan in Lake County and features historical remnants of the former military base, complete with interpretive signs. This blend of nature, history, and wildlife makes it a standout choice among local jogging routes.