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Trails

DuPage forest preserves contain more than 175 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.

Our interactive map features parking lots, driving directions, amenities, and more for each trail.

You can find PDFs of individual trail maps on many forest preserve pages. 

 

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

  • Only ride on trails that are designated for bike riding. Refer to individual forest preserve maps for details.
  • 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. 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.

  • Wheeled carts must be under 4 feet wide.

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.