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Buffalo Creek Reservoir

4.7 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Running trail in Long Grove, Illinois · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Buffalo Creek Reservoir'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.

ScenicQuiet

What runners say about Buffalo Creek Reservoir

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (43 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Beautiful scenery, gravel road with bridges, the mile goes really quickly.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“It was quiet, clean, and the trails were easy to follow.”

Super nice walk. Beautiful scenery, gravel road with bridges, the mile goes really quickly.

★★★★★ — Jinyoung , Oct 2025

I had a wonderful time at this forest preserve. It was quiet, clean, and the trails were easy to follow. The natural scenery made for a relaxing walk, and it was the perfect place to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. I would definitely visit again.

★★★★★ — Rubrickcombine , Jul 2026

There are many preserves in the area. This one is quite open with nice views all around to see both birds and flora. Just a very pleasant walk.

★★★★★ — Michael , Jun 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 43 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 7 mentions

“This one is quite open with nice views all around to see both birds and flora.”

More trails like this →

🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“It was quiet, clean, and the trails were easy to follow.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Buffalo Creek Reservoir

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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.
  • Websitelcfpd.org
  • Phone+1 847-850-2100

Hours

Monday 6:30 am–8 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am–8 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am–8 pm
Thursday 6:30 am–8 pm
Friday 6:30 am–8 pm
Saturday 6:30 am–8 pm
Sunday 6:30 am–8 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Buffalo Creek Reservoir

18163 Checker Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047

Get directions

Running trails near Long Grove

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 775 reviews

Long Grove, IL

LoopMixedShadedScenic

Scenic parkland offering wildlife viewing, a fishing reservoir & trails for hiking & biking.

under a mile away

Lake Terramere Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 114 reviews

Arlington Heights, IL

Scenic

Playground and lake park with swings, slides and picnic tables, ideal for kids.

under a mile away

Nickol Knoll Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 243 reviews

Arlington Heights, IL

1 miLoopPavedScenic

Scenic par 3 golf course on a hill with views of the Chicago skyline.

under a mile away

Willow Stream Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 589 reviews

Buffalo Grove, IL

Scenic

This 54-acre park includes an outdoor pool, basketball & tennis courts, picnic areas & bike paths.

under a mile away

Buffalo Grove Park District

4.4 ★★★★☆ 142 reviews

Buffalo Grove, IL

Park with a public restroom, picnic tables, playground, and gym hall, plus weekly activities.

1.2 miles away

Green Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 87 reviews

Buffalo Grove, IL

ShadedScenic

Public park with a fishing lake, a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and picnic areas.

1.5 miles away

All running trails in Long Grove, IL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.