Home › Illinois › Naperville › Danada Forest Preserve
Danada Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 414 Google reviews · Running trail in Naperville, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Danada 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.
Nature preserve offering a lake with fishing, an equestrian center & trails through varied habitats.
What runners say about Danada Forest Preserve
“Aside from well maintained trails and great vantage points, the grounds are well maintained and they often have events on the weekends.”
“Trails are well maintained and there is a variety of beautiful scenery, lakes and plants to look at.”
“Not crowded and not deserted.”
If you're a horse lover, you've probably been here or the nearby St James Farm. But there are also trails for walking and biking that are shared for horse riding (judging by the "droppings") so anyone can enjoy themselves here. It's still a bit cold out so not much activity going on here today.
Honestly one of my favorite parks.. it has a nice history and you can see old racing stables. Not only can you walk along the prairie but there is also a woodsy option if you like to stay more in the shade
I love the Equestrian Center. Several paddocks to walk up to and watch the horses. Very calming. I'm going to go back several times and so I recommend this preserve!
Well kept up preserve with terrific hiking and biking paths. Great place to take leisurely walks with friends and family.
Trail conditions & character
“The view is spectacular, I walked around the trail and forest preserve it’s feel like you are in country side .”
“Crushed gravel trails for hiking, running, cycling, or onewheeling.”
Plan your run at Danada Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- 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
- Websitedupageforest.com
- Phone(630) 933-7200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Naperville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Danada Trail
5 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
Beau Bien Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 124 reviews
Park with a playground, tennis courts, and picnic tables, plus facilities for baseball.
Tate Woods Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 79 reviews
Park with basketball, baseball, and tennis courts, and a playground, plus a paved trail.
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,947 reviews
885-acre nature preserve with over 5 miles of trails, plus boat rentals & fishing opportunities.
