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Aurora West Forest Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 179 Google reviews · Running trail in Aurora, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Aurora West Forest Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
715-acre park of prairie, marsh & woodland with a multi-purpose trail & a model airplane field.
What runners say about Aurora West Forest Preserve
“The other dog walkers are generally friendly and it’s a safe place for dogs to meet and learn to socialize with other dogs.”
I love this park for the dogs! Our dogs can run to their hearts content and never leave the park! The other dog walkers are generally friendly and it’s a safe place for dogs to meet and learn to socialize with other dogs.
Always clean. Lots of options, including tennis, baseball, soccer, swings, and even ice skating in the winter. Giant sledding hill facing the river is super fun, too! In the summer, the hilly area is a set up for a Civil War training ground reenactment, which it really, actually was, during the Civil War.
A lovely open space with a network of trails to let a well behaved pup roam free while you enjoy a nature walk. On occassion you may spot a deer or coyote or interesting birds. All the other dogs we've encountered have been very friendly as are their owners.
Great place for off-leash dog walking. Both Open Fields and Forest Preserve. I know they can't but if they could shovel the walk during the winter the dog owner wouldn't be so tired when she got back to her car. Haha. But thank you Kane County for wonderful forest preserves
Trail conditions & character
“All the other dogs we've encountered have been very friendly as are their owners.”
Plan your run at Aurora West Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitekaneforest.com
- Phone(630) 232-5980
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Aurora
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 241 reviews
Trails and paths crisscross this wooded park with a pavilion and picnic tables.
Virgil Gilman Nature Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 45 reviews
Park with kid-friendly hikes, wildlife and paved, gravel and asphalt trails.