HomeIllinoisHickory Hills › Buffalo Woods

Buffalo Woods

4.4 ★★★★☆ 188 Google reviews · Running trail in Hickory Hills, Illinois · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Buffalo Woods' 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.

Dog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parking

Located near stables, this tranquil open space & popular picnic spot has forested trails for riding.

What runners say about Buffalo Woods

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (188 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“It's beautiful just walking around.”

It goes from easy to a hardcore trials all gravel sharp little rocks be ready for flats

★★★★★ — Manny , Aug 2016

Great picnic area right next to 87th Street. Plus, there is a horseback riding place across the street that they walk the horses on a nearby trail. Beautiful horses!

★★★★☆ — Jonathan , Jul 2023

My 3 boys love running around in the woods here. Last time we saw 2 coyotes!!

★★★★☆ — Brandy , Apr 2017

It's beautiful just walking around. If you love nature definitely stop by!

★★★★★ — Jenna , Oct 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 188 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.

🚻 Restrooms

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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🐕 Dog-friendly

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Buffalo Woods

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • 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
  • Phone+1 800-870-3666
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 am–8 pm
Tuesday 7 am–8 pm
Wednesday 7 am–8 pm
Thursday 7 am–8 pm
Friday 7 am–8 pm
Saturday 7 am–8 pm
Sunday 7 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 Woods

Hickory Hills, Illinois

Get directions

Running trails near Hickory Hills

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

Buffalo Woods-Central

4.3 ★★★★☆ 39 reviews

Hickory Hills, IL

Dog-friendly

under a mile away

Spears Woods

4.7 ★★★★★ 213 reviews

Willow Springs, IL

ScenicDog-friendly

This scenic park has trails for hikers, bikers & horses through wetlands & woods, plus picnic spots.

under a mile away

Hidden Pond Woods

4.5 ★★★★★ 115 reviews

Hickory Hills, IL

ScenicDog-friendly

Park featuring woods, trails, horse riding, deer and a pond.

under a mile away

Hidden Pond Woods-East

4.6 ★★★★★ 44 reviews

Hickory Hills, IL

Dog-friendly

1.2 miles away

Willow Springs Woods

4.7 ★★★★★ 278 reviews

Willow Springs, IL

Natural surfaceScenic

Forest preserve popular for its multi-use trails offers year-round outdoor recreation.

1.3 miles away

Santa Fe Prairie Nature Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 129 reviews

Hodgkins, IL

ScenicDog-friendly

1.4 miles away

All running trails in Hickory Hills, 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.