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Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 218 Google reviews · Running trail in Palos Park, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Cap Sauers Holding Nature 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.
Wooded area with footpaths & gravel trails for hiking & biking, with no dogs allowed.
What runners say about Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve
“Otherwise, a beautiful rather hilly trail for Chicago landscape, which was a pleasant surprise!”
“The trails are well marked and paved making them excellent for running, walking, biking and horseback riding.”
Hiked the green trail and the northern 1/4 of the loop between Cap Sauers & Swallow cliff trails. Would recommend parking at the Teason Woods parking lot to start the loop otherwise it takes you to a random spot. Otherwise, a beautiful rather hilly trail for Chicago landscape, which was a pleasant surprise!
We walked the Yellow trail starting from 40 acres woods going in a westward direction. While there your choices are, yellow, brown, black, green and purple. We have not walked the green. The trails are well marked and paved making them excellent for running, walking, biking and horseback riding.
The most remote area near Chicago. Wide gravel trails for horses, bikes, walkers, and runners. Plus some footpaths just for those on foot. Definitely do the footpaths if you can. Mostly open woodland, with some meadows and old orchards. This is where you go to get away from it all.
Great mountain bike trail with a lot of hills, great work out. Gravel in most places, some rather course. Awesome scenery that changes around each turn.There are Horses on this trail and they ALWAYS should get the right of way. pull over and let them pass. Horses can get spooked and throw the rider off.
Trail conditions & character
“I made the mistake of trying to go down the south side of the yellow trail on a gravel bike.”
“Otherwise, a beautiful rather hilly trail for Chicago landscape, which was a pleasant surprise!”
“Would recommend parking at the Teason Woods parking lot to start the loop otherwise it takes you to a random spot.”
“Otherwise, a beautiful rather hilly trail for Chicago landscape, which was a pleasant surprise!”
“Hiked the green trail and the northern 1/4 of the loop between Cap Sauers & Swallow cliff trails.”
“The trails are well marked and paved making them excellent for running, walking, biking and horseback riding.”
Plan your run at Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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 — 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.
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone+1 800-870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Palos Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Teason's Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 178 reviews
Family-friendly park with picnic tables, forested trails, and a public restroom.
Swallow Cliff Stairs
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2 flights of stairs with almost 300 steps in total, forming a loop & popular for cardio workouts.
Swallow Cliff Woods-North
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Public park providing a restroom and picnic tables, plus trails for hiking, walking, and biking.
Swallow Cliff
5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Pioneer Woods
4.6 ★★★★★ 176 reviews
Large wooded preserve with picnic groves & trails for hiking & mountain biking.
Wolf Road Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 432 reviews
Hilly forest preserve offering biking and hiking trails for all levels, plus picnic areas.