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Carlson Springs Woods
4.6 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · Running trail in Oak Forest, 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 Carlson Springs 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.
What runners say about Carlson Springs Woods
“Got a permit to host my grandsons 1st bday here, Sept 2025, grounds were clean, tables & a canopy in good shape.”
“The most beautiful and secluded spot I have yet to find in the Cook County Forest Preserves!”
Clean woods. Not much in the way of trails. Beautiful large oaks around the picnic shelter.
Got a permit to host my grandsons 1st bday here, Sept 2025, grounds were clean, tables & a canopy in good shape. Lots of space. Had a bounce house behind the canopy, worked out perfect. The little gravel drive up made for easy loading/unloading & guests that couldn’t walk up the hill from parking lot.
It's very low-key A nice place for Huge family events. Family Reunion B'day BBQs Etc.Only thing is they don't have public bathrooms they have Potter Potties. The Police do trail the roads for safety check's. Huge plus
Very nice for intermediate hikers or dog walkers. Keep an eye out for horses on the trail otherwise on days after thaw or rain it can be muddy in spots. But open well marked trails!
Trail conditions & character
“The most beautiful and secluded spot I have yet to find in the Cook County Forest Preserves!”
“Location to some Bachelors Grove history, including Bachelors Hall which is now the southern Carlson Springs Woods parking lot.”
“Only thing is they don't have public bathrooms they have Potter Potties.”
Plan your run at Carlson Springs 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
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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