Home › Illinois › Des Plaines › Big Bend Lake
Big Bend Lake
4.6 ★★★★★ 105 Google reviews · Running trail in Des Plaines, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Big Bend Lake'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.
Nature preserve offering picnic tables and opportunities to fish.
What runners say about Big Bend Lake
“Favorite place to unwind wax my car listening to music or having a bbq, sunrise till sunset beautiful.”
“Fun quiet place that’s not far from the city to walk through a quiet nature trail.”
Nice, quiet place. You can go to fish there, walk or just sit and relax.
Beautiful lake and park to enjoy the outdoors! There isn't a dedicated trail, but there is space to walk near the lake. Unfortunately, the path is blocked my water so you can't do a full loop without getting wet, but there's still plenty of space to walk around.
Tranquil lake that is fed by the Des Plaines River. Ok area to fish and it has a launching ramp for small water vessels. A short dirt trail runs along the outer edge of the park that is good for a short run or biking. Or connects to a horse trail to the north for a longer trek.
Fun quiet place that’s not far from the city to walk through a quiet nature trail. Great for bikes or dogs.
Trail conditions & character
“Fun quiet place that’s not far from the city to walk through a quiet nature trail.”
“People have picnics, kayak, fish, play with their dogs, and just hang out.”
“There's plenty of parking, some benches, a boat ramp, and a large picnic shelter.”
Plan your run at Big Bend Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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 — 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 7 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Des Plaines
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Kloempken Prairie
4.6 ★★★★★ 38 reviews
Forest & prairie refuge offering a range of native trees, trails & wildlife viewing, plus parking.
Belleau Woods
4.3 ★★★★☆ 11 reviews
Willow Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 60 reviews
Neighborhood park featuring a playground and sports fields, plus tennis and basketball courts.
Beck Lake
4.6 ★★★★★ 104 reviews
Nature preserve with a trail system, lake for fishing, and dog park for Cook County residents.
Algonquin Woods
4.5 ★★★★★ 114 reviews
Local forest preserve with trails, fishing & picnicking areas & seasonal wildflowers.
