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Forest Preserves of Cook County
4.5 ★★★★★ 781 Google reviews · Running trail in Matteson, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 25 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Forest Preserves of Cook County'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.
Wooded locale for hiking, picnics and kite flying, also home to deer and hawks.
What runners say about Forest Preserves of Cook County
“There was plenty of parking and the park was very clean.”
“Plenty (70k+) acres of beautiful woods,, prairies, wetlands, grasslands, trails, rivers, streams and ponds.”
“Clearly marked mileage, clearly marked lanes.”
“It's really peaceful too, even though there are lots of people jogging or riding their bikes.”
Nice place for a bike ride or a walk. Lots of creatures live there too (like praying mantis that have pink and green coloring, monarch butterflies, deer, red as well as blue dragonflies). It's really peaceful too, even though there are lots of people jogging or riding their bikes.
Enjoy walking these trails. The scenery is beautiful & depending on the time of day the wildlife comes out to watch you walk. Its very peaceful & a great way to unwind.
This forest preserve is cute & cozy, plenty of parking, but no visible body of water from main parking lot. Also, not sure about any walking trails. 3.5 stars
Beautiful place to get away, take walks, catch and release, read or complete some work. I have also had the experience of shooting a film in one of the local parks- you just have to contact the district to obtain approval.
Trail conditions & character
“Plenty (70k+) acres of beautiful woods,, prairies, wetlands, grasslands, trails, rivers, streams and ponds.”
“This forest preserve is cute & cozy, plenty of parking, but no visible body of water from main parking lot.”
“5 miles long with Great scenery and occasional deer sighting but worthy the walk”
“It's really peaceful too, even though there are lots of people jogging or riding their bikes.”
Plan your run at Forest Preserves of Cook County
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance25 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone+1 800-870-3666
Running trails near Matteson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Vollmer Road Grove
4.7 ★★★★★ 393 reviews
Nature preserve offering a paved loop trail that's popular for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Woodgate Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 88 reviews
Quiet, park featuring swings and slides for children, plus picnic tables.
Governors Trail Park: Old Plank Trail
4 ★★★★☆ 1 reviews