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Dan Ryan Woods
4.5 ★★★★★ 3,208 Google reviews · Running trail in Chicago, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Dan Ryan 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.
A 257-acre forest preserve with play fields, a popular sledding hill & a paved multi-use trail.
What runners say about Dan Ryan Woods
“It was clean and the grass was freshly cut, we had a wonderful time.”
“I got a workout on the long staircase, enjoyed the beautiful green landscape, and had some quiet time to reflect.”
“I would love to return for jogging, an evening walk with friends, or even bike riding which lots of people were doing.”
“The trail and park is peaceful, clean and beautiful.”
I visited region 9 trail which is 1.1 miles. The trail and park is peaceful, clean and beautiful. I recommend that you go to the park, enjoy the weather and treescapes as the foliage changes with each passing season. Absorb the sun. Take a seat on a bench. Slow down and enjoy life's moments. ---- Update.
The new fitness stairs and obstacle course are great. The obstacles course os for the kids. The stairs have one set of hiking stairs 60-70 to get onto the greens from the parking lot on the NE corner of 88th and Western then you can loop aroind the sledding hill to get to the fitness stairs.
A nice place for a good trek. Beautiful scenery, two sets of stairs to climb, and a safe atmosphere, lots of people walking.
This place was awesome! The walk was beautiful. My grandson and i was a most stunning nature walk...with beautiful trees of all sorts...huge Ginko trees. Nice little benches along the way to sit and take in the sites. Then he wanted to walk up the stairs to top of the hill...we walked down the hill.
Trail conditions & character
“This path trails along the parking lot but had cross lanes that I followed.”
“I got a workout on the long staircase, enjoyed the beautiful green landscape, and had some quiet time to reflect.”
“The trail and park is peaceful, clean and beautiful.”
“Beautiful scenery, two sets of stairs to climb, and a safe atmosphere, lots of people walking.”
“Nearby toilets weren't operational but Porta potttys were.”
Plan your run at Dan Ryan Woods
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 — 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
Running trails near Chicago
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
50-Acre Park
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Yukich Field
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Relaxed park featuring ponds and a 0.8-mile jogging route (with 2 other paths) that wraps around soccer and baseball fields.
Duffy Park
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Park with a baseball field, swings, and slides, and an annual fireworks display.
Bogan Park
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Local destination, with a playground for kids, basketball courts, and a running track.
