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Forty Acres Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 90 Google reviews · Running trail in Palos Park, 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 Forty Acres Woods' 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 featuring trails for hikers and runners, as well as picnic areas and horseback-riding paths.
What runners say about Forty Acres Woods
“Easy access to a wide variety of well maintained trails.”
“Beautiful Sunday morning hikes with my sons.”
Beautiful Sunday morning hikes with my sons. Easy access to a wide variety of well maintained trails. Palos Forest Preserves is the best reason to live in the southwest burbs.
I have been here every day for multiple years. It never gets old. I like running here. It connects to a lot of loops. The full one you can do is around 8 miles. From here you can also run to the Swallow Cliff stairs. It always has a Porta John that you can use to go to the bathroom.
My favorite place to park when I do the Palos 8 mile loop. Careful not to park in the horse trailer parking by mistake, you will get a ticket.
A great 1 hour plus trail on the other side of Swallow Cliff woods It all connects and can be a great long trail for those capable 40 Acre Woods has a bit of up and down hills, just a heads up to stretch accordingly Overall, great trail path option in Palos area!
Trail conditions & character
“It always has a Porta John that you can use to go to the bathroom.”
“There are a lot of picnic tables there, good parking, Port-a John and a place to tie horses up.”
Plan your run at Forty Acres Woods
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, restrooms — reported by runners
- 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
- Phone+1 800-870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Palos Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
McClaughry Springs Woods
4.9 ★★★★★ 150 reviews
Nature trail system featuring a ravine and small creek amid hills and woods with picnic tables and birding opportunities.
Palos Park Woods-North
4.7 ★★★★★ 340 reviews
Large forested area offering many multiuse trails, picnic space, boating, fishing & wildlife views.
Swallow Cliff Stairs
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,181 reviews
2 flights of stairs with almost 300 steps in total, forming a loop & popular for cardio workouts.
Swallow Cliff
5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Swallow Cliff Woods-North
4.8 ★★★★★ 518 reviews
Public park providing a restroom and picnic tables, plus trails for hiking, walking, and biking.