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Big Rock Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 431 Google reviews · Running trail in Big Rock, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 25 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Big Rock 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.
Woodland, marsh & prairie make up this 840-acre preserve with camping, hiking & horseback riding.
What runners say about Big Rock Forest Preserve
“Clean water, saw some big fish too.”
“The lake, which used to be a quarry, is the centerpiece of the park and makes for such beautiful scenery.”
“A great place for a relaxing walk or to see some peaceful nature.”
So pretty! No swimming in the quart but definitely access points to the rock ledges. You have to be in the lookout for the small paths leading there. Very quiet and serene. Small uphill (then downhill) 1.25 mile route around entire lake. Trail alternates between dirt, rocks, gravel, limestone.
Love this forest preserve. The path around the lake is beautiful. Other walking paths feel like you’re out in the country and can take in the view. Dog friendly walking trails.
Awesome little place. Great walking paths, kayaking, fishing. Definitely recommend
Such a beautiful park! Definitely worth the hour drive for us. Loads of trails, beautiful lake from a former quarry. We enjoyed the variety of scenery with the different hiking trails and it was fun looking at fossils and rocks along the lake shore. Even saw some red tailed hawks soaring on the drive in!
Trail conditions & character
“The lake, which used to be a quarry, is the centerpiece of the park and makes for such beautiful scenery.”
“Great variety of paths and nature, from gravel and moved paths along a praire to woodchip and dirt paths in a forest.”
“A great place for a relaxing walk or to see some peaceful nature.”
“Great variety of paths and nature, from gravel and moved paths along a praire to woodchip and dirt paths in a forest.”
“Parking lot allows several cars and two sets of toilets (very clean).”
“Awesome place to go for a 2-3 mile walk, dog friendly and multiple fun trails to try.”
Plan your run at Big Rock Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance25 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- 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.
- Websitekaneforest.com
- Phone+1 630-232-1242
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Big Rock
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Jay Woods Forest Preserve
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Bliss Woods Forest Preserve
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Yorkville Park and Recreation Area
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