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Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 775 Google reviews · Running trail in Long Grove, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Buffalo Creek 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.
Scenic parkland offering wildlife viewing, a fishing reservoir & trails for hiking & biking.
What runners say about Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
“It’s a really well maintained park with multiple loop options but unfortunately it’s an extremely loud place because of the road proximity.”
“I would check the website for exactly what’s available, but it’s definitely a beautiful nature area.”
“There is no tree tall enough to provide a shade, despite “Forest” in the name.”
“They are doing some major landscape work so some of the trails are not in great shape but all in all it is a nice, gravel trail through a peaceful area.”
One of my favorite spots to walk and enjoy nature and wonderful weather. It has many trails short, long and has benches to sit and relax. It has all gender bathrooms in the entrance of the preserve. I saw many birds, and deer before in there.
Very very impressed with Buffalo Creek forest preserve. Well maintained trails, bridges, nicely marked paths. Great place for a nice walk to enjoy nature. The outer loop was just under two miles.
The forest reserve is a hidden gem! The well-maintained trails and abundance of wildlife made it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts...I loved the peaceful ambiance of the forest reserve. It's an ideal place to unwind and reconnect with nature...this is my fav place.
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve offers a nice place for a relaxing 1.9 mile hike. There is an option to go farther by following the various offshoot paths. Parking is very limited off of Old Hicks Road but there are not many people going onto the path so you should be fine.
Trail conditions & character
“It is well maintained, with nice view areas, walking/biking trails, and all small lakes interconnected with walking bridges.”
“They are doing some major landscape work so some of the trails are not in great shape but all in all it is a nice, gravel trail through a peaceful area.”
“They are doing some major landscape work so some of the trails are not in great shape but all in all it is a nice, gravel trail through a peaceful area.”
“There is no tree tall enough to provide a shade, despite “Forest” in the name.”
“Parking is very limited off of Old Hicks Road but there are not many people going onto the path so you should be fine.”
“This park is a bit away from the residential neighborhoods but it feels safe with a lot of joggers & dog walkers.”
“Recently constructed as a stormwater management facility, this forest preserve has both paved and gravel trails, along with foot bridges throughout.”
“It’s a really well maintained park with multiple loop options but unfortunately it’s an extremely loud place because of the road proximity.”
“It has all gender bathrooms in the entrance of the preserve.”
Plan your run at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone(847) 367-6640
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