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Dunning Read Natural Area
4.1 ★★★★☆ 10 Google reviews · Running trail in Chicago, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Dunning Read Natural Area'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 Dunning Read Natural Area
“This is a beautiful natural area, originally maintained by the state (sign still up, disregard), now part of Chicago Park District as of late last year!”
Rare expanse of wild in the midst of commercial sprawl. Decompress here with a hike, make a difference on a volunteer day! (Third Saturday of the month)
This is such a great hidden gem in Dunning! Very easy flat trails for walking. It is still in the process of being worked on but was well worth the walk.
Trail conditions & character
“Parking tip: enter Dunning Reed Mental Heath Center parking lot on Oak Park Ave, across from the new Taft High School campus.”
Plan your run at Dunning Read Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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 — reported by runners
- Websitechicagoparkdistrict.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–7 pm |
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