Home › Illinois › Antioch › Ethel's Woods Forest Preserve
Ethel's Woods Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Running trail in Antioch, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Ethel's Woods 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.
What runners say about Ethel's Woods Forest Preserve
“It wasn't busy even though it was afternoon, the area was well kept, and the path we walked wasn't super long.”
“Peaceful walk with a few spots to sit and rest on the way to a couple scenic overlooks.”
“Well-maintained gravel trail in full sun ( no shade).”
“Peaceful walk with a few spots to sit and rest on the way to a couple scenic overlooks.”
Beautiful nature preserve with over 500 acres. We took a long walk here today lot's of wild flower's and breath taking views. Great for walking, jogging biking or horseback riding. Today was a hot summer day I can't wait to come back and get more exercise and explore a little more!
My boyfriend and I took a stroll on the path located there. It wasn't busy even though it was afternoon, the area was well kept, and the path we walked wasn't super long. Its very peaceful out there. I can certainly see myself spending more time there.
An beautiful walking path with cute look-out points and sitting areas. Definitely beautiful views along the paths.
Newer park, beautifully maintained trails. Great for a walk. Not the greatest setting for beautiful features, but plenty of flower prairies.
Trail conditions & character
“The views are awesome now that they've drained the ponds and you can see the creek flowing through the bottom land.”
“Well-maintained gravel trail in full sun ( no shade).”
“Peaceful walk with a few spots to sit and rest on the way to a couple scenic overlooks.”
“Well-maintained gravel trail in full sun ( no shade).”
Plan your run at Ethel's Woods 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone+1 847-367-6640
Running trails near Antioch
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Raven Glen Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 231 reviews
Nature preserve offering hiking, biking & horseback riding trails, plus a lake with 2 fishing piers.
McDonald Woods Forest Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 364 reviews
Forest preserve with rolling green hills plus trails for cross-country skiing, biking & hiking.
Forest View Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 60 reviews
Hastings Lake Forest Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 790 reviews
Preserve with 4 mi. of trails through forest, fields & wetlands, plus picnic areas & a playground.
Raven Glen West Forest Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 42 reviews
Hiking area with a trail that's good for kids, plus a public restroom.