Trails

Trails

DuPage forest preserves contain more than 166 miles of trails, from seldom-traveled footpaths to wide limestone and asphalt trails. Most are open to hikers, joggers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, snowshoers and wildlife-watchers, but a handful may have seasonal or site-specific restrictions.

Trail Maps

Maps of the county’s 24 most popular forest preserves are in our Trails Guide (link) or on the forest preserve pages. You can request a printed copy from Visitor Services at 630-933-7248. 

Stay Fit With Our Walks

Did you know that hiking on a trail burns 102 calories per half hour?

Whether you kick it in gear at a fast-paced power walk or prefer a leisurely stroll, you can get the most out of your workouts on 145 miles of trails in DuPage forest preserves. Our Forest Hikes not only offer one-time fun but opportunities to come back each week to explore some of the most popular trails in the company of other outdoor enthusiasts.

Select from one of our hikes, then read up on some helpful tips for your next outdoor adventure.

Trail Tips

General

Regardless of how you enjoy the trails, follow a few tips:

• Announce “passing on your left” when doing so.
• Keep dogs leashed at all times, and clean up any pet waste.
• Be aware of wildlife both on and off the trail. Remember, you are a visitor in their habitat.
• Pack out whatever you pack in and use provided garbage and recycling containers.

Hiking

• Walk or jog on the right side of the trail; stay in single file when in groups.
• Approach horses slowly and allow extra room. Never pass a horse on a bridge; bridges can make even experienced animals nervous.
• Avoid cross-country ski tracks.

Biking

• Ride on the right side of the trail, single file when in groups.
• Ride at controlled, safe speeds, especially on curves and in parking lots.
• Heed trail signs that show a bicycle with a slash. These trails are off-limits to bicycles due to dangerous conditions or ecologically sensitive areas.
• Approach horses slowly and allow extra room. Never pass a horse on a bridge; bridges can make even experienced animals nervous.

Horseback Riding

• Park trailers in designated lots only, which are marked with asterisks. These lots have ample room for turning and a special coating that helps prevent horses from slipping.
• Ride on the right side of the trail; ride single file when in groups.
• Keep horses under control at all times; racing is prohibited.
• Avoid riding in wet or muddy conditions.
• Do not bring horses into picnic areas, campgrounds, off-leash dog areas or model airfields.
• Avoid cross-country ski tracks.

Cross-Country Skiing

• You can ski on most forest preserve trails, and rangers groom over 80 miles when the weather allows.
• If you're a classic skier, use the edge of the trail
• Freestyle skiers and other visitors should stay in the center and avoid stepping on set tracks. 
  
  

Dog Sledding

• If there’s plenty of snow and you're a musher, you can use the Regional, Bobolink and connector trails through the McKee Marsh area north of Mack Road at Blackwell and the Thunderbird Spur Trail, which begins at the parking lot on Thunderbird Road, at Greene Valley.
• During the rest of the year, you can use wheeled carts under 4 feet wide on any trails that allow biking.
• Remain on the trails and travel in a controlled, safe manner for the safety of other visitors and to protect the forest preserves’ natural areas.