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Chicago Portage National Historic Site
4.5 ★★★★★ 199 Google reviews · Running trail in Forest View, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Chicago Portage National Historic Site'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.
This forested area features monuments to historic explorers & many wildlife viewing opportunities.
What runners say about Chicago Portage National Historic Site
“A hidden gem (if you don't know about it lol) great views and trails here.”
“Very serene and peaceful, especially with the cut off portion of the Desplaines river.”
A hidden gem (if you don't know about it lol) great views and trails here. Very serene and peaceful, especially with the cut off portion of the Desplaines river. Walking where Chicago most likely got it's name and smelling the same smells that the natives did so many years ago puts things into perspective.
I love it here! The trails are always clear and it's never too busy. My son loves it too. Great area for photos as well. We come al the time especially for quick walks to get some exercise in.
Fascinating with many information signs along a nice path...No perverts or degenerates for some reason which is nice. You can often find cops in the parking lot which is nice....This is more like a yuppies doing tai chi woods than a group of hooligans drinking or doing god knows what woods...
Great trails!! Very clean and beautiful. You can see deer along the way. There's also a fishing pond, not sure how great it is since I don't fish lol but it's there for those interested!
Trail conditions & character
“Very serene and peaceful, especially with the cut off portion of the Desplaines river.”
“You can often find cops in the parking lot which is nice.”
Plan your run at Chicago Portage National Historic Site
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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, water — 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(800) 870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Forest View
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ottawa Trail Woods
4.3 ★★★★☆ 275 reviews
Forest preserve with picnic groves & shelters that's part of the historic Chicago Portage waterway.
Cermak Woods
4.4 ★★★★☆ 368 reviews
Tree-filled hub offering an aquatic center, hiking, fishing, biking & other recreational activities.
Veterans Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 233 reviews
Family-friendly outdoor space featuring playgrounds, baseball courts and basketball courts.