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Big Marsh Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 565 Google reviews · Running trail in Chicago, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Big Marsh Park'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.
280.13-acre open space with an off-road bike park, nature areas for bird watching & hiking trails.
What runners say about Big Marsh Park
“You can put up your tent and bbq in some areas and they have nice clean bathrooms and vending machines inside the field house.”
“I visited on a cloudy, cold, winter day, and I still l thought this was one of the most exceptionally beautiful places in Chicagoland.”
Great for wheelchair rolling, exploring and simply enjoying the outdoors. My guys enjoyed watching the skateboarders and off-road cyclists as the path took us around the different tracks. The paved paths are wide and smooth.
Big Marsh is unexpected and fantastic! I run a two mile loop here several times a week and am surprised how few people I see taking advantage of the amazing bike trail.
Big Marsh is truly a hidden gem in the city! The friendly and welcoming staff always make each visit a pleasure as the amazing view! The landscape is maintained, showcasing scores of native plants that create a vibrant and diverse environment. The trails make for a peaceful stroll or an adventurous bike ride.
This place is a real hidden gem. There is something for everyone. I brought my 7 and 9 year old with their mountain bikes. My oldest loved the pump track and my youngest liked the green level mini terrain parks. I loved it all. If you're a pro they have some stuff that looks big enough to be on X-Games.
Trail conditions & character
“I visited on a cloudy, cold, winter day, and I still l thought this was one of the most exceptionally beautiful places in Chicagoland.”
“Great for wheelchair rolling, exploring and simply enjoying the outdoors.”
“My oldest loved the pump track and my youngest liked the green level mini terrain parks.”
“You can put up your tent and bbq in some areas and they have nice clean bathrooms and vending machines inside the field house.”
“I run a two mile loop here several times a week and am surprised how few people I see taking advantage of the amazing bike trail.”
Plan your run at Big Marsh Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebigmarsh.org
- Phone+1 312-590-5993
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 Chicago
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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