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Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 580 Google reviews · Running trail in Deer Park, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Cuba Marsh Forest 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.
Dog-friendly 781-acre nature preserve with hiking/biking trails, picnic tables & wildlife watching.
What runners say about Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve
“Beautiful scenery, wide, nicely maintained path, great place to walk dogs, and for nature lovers.”
“One of the most beautiful forest preserves the Cuba marsh the boardwalk its long and beautiful and the little area with big tall trees it’s the most beautiful part of the trail.”
“Smooth gravel paths for easy walking or biking!”
“Beautiful scenery, wide, nicely maintained path, great place to walk dogs, and for nature lovers.”
Beautiful place for a walk. Backs up to Citizen Park. The tree house is a very interesting addition and has a handicap ramp. It can be rented out for kids birthdays.
Wonderful place for walking, running or riding a bike. The trail is beautiful and interesting. There are many benches around the place, many beautiful birds in this forest preserve and also i saw many snakes 🐍 different sizes, they were just beside the trail and one of them very small was on the trail.
Fairly easy hike that is 5 miles round trip. Trail is through marsh, prairie, woodland and savanna. So views are very satisfying being so close to Chicago. Crushed stone path makes it very comfortable. Will be back to see it in different seasons for sure - 55 degrees in April was nice.
Love all the different aspects of this preserve, the trail, the tennis courts, the playground/ treehouse We don't use the treehouse/ playground anymore but our kids grew up there and had the best time. Amazing how well maintained it is even years after. The tennis courts are available and well kept.
Trail conditions & character
“One of the most beautiful forest preserves the Cuba marsh the boardwalk its long and beautiful and the little area with big tall trees it’s the most beautiful part of the trail.”
“Maps will take you to a subdivision with no trail access or parking.”
“Beautiful scenery, wide, nicely maintained path, great place to walk dogs, and for nature lovers.”
“The path is well maintained, the gravel soft and always replenished.”
“One of the most beautiful forest preserves the Cuba marsh the boardwalk its long and beautiful and the little area with big tall trees it’s the most beautiful part of the trail.”
Plan your run at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone(847) 367-6640
Running trails near Deer Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Citizens Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 168 reviews
Family park with a large playground, plus basketball and tennis courts and the option to rent a treehouse.
Paulus Park
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City park jutting into the lake & offering water access, a beach & a children's playground.
Oak Ridge Marsh
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Baker's Lake Nature Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 127 reviews
This 330-acre wildlife refuge features prime birdwatching, a heron rookery & trails.
Ron Beese Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 173 reviews
Sprawling park with fields & courts for numerous sports, a picnic pavilion, playground & ski trails.