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Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk
4.7 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Running trail in Chicago, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk'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.
What runners say about Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk
“I recently hiked this trail and was captivated by the beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings.”
I recently hiked this trail and was captivated by the beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings. I was lucky enough to visit during the Cicadapocalypse and experienced the unique, beautiful sound of these insects, which added a magical touch to the already stunning landscape. A truly unforgettable experience!
Beautiful, outdoor area with an elevated boardwalk. Kind of unexpected_reminds me of something you'd see in Oregon or Washington. Continuing south on the trail is not as nice/gets muddy easily
This is a lovely walking area near the Hyatt. Plenty of birdsong, chipmunks running around, and a deer even sauntered across the path ahead of me.
Really cool boardwalk in the middle of the Forest Preserve. It looks great and you'll probably see deer below.
Trail conditions & character
“Really cool boardwalk in the middle of the Forest Preserve.”
“I recently hiked this trail and was captivated by the beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings.”
Plan your run at Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- 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.
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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