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Fox River Shores Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 676 Google reviews · Running trail in Carpentersville, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Fox River Shores 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.
Lush riverside nature preserve featuring a boat launch, bike trail & a picnic shelter.
What runners say about Fox River Shores Forest Preserve
“So peaceful clean well maintained.”
“Wonderful, scenic, peaceful spot to take in all the spillway & reservoir have to offer.”
“A quiet expansion of the Fox River with no evidence that area has been settled for over 150 years.”
A quiet expansion of the Fox River with no evidence that area has been settled for over 150 years. Accessible by car off of State Route 31 between Algonquin and Carpentersville and the Great Fox River bike path.
We rode from Carpentersville to Crystal Lake on a Friday afternoon. Not too crowded. We parked on side street, but just up ahead we saw people unloading their bikes in parking lot along the train tracks. Beautiful ride! Lots of trees, saw some wild turkeys.
This forest preserve is a really good place to come. Whether it's for a bike ride along the trail that goes north and south for miles, a realistic relaxing walk, fishing, or just to sit to clear the mind and enjoy the day in a beautiful spot along the fox river. ENJOY!
Awesome place to go fishing, photography, walk in nature or just hang out. This place is sure to take away your stress, make you feel connected with nature and rejuvenated
Trail conditions & character
“Wonderful, scenic, peaceful spot to take in all the spillway & reservoir have to offer.”
“A quiet expansion of the Fox River with no evidence that area has been settled for over 150 years.”
“We parked on side street, but just up ahead we saw people unloading their bikes in parking lot along the train tracks.”
“There are wooden bumpy bridges, Asphalt paths most in great shape but few needing repairs for bumps.”
“Accessible by car off of State Route 31 between Algonquin and Carpentersville and the Great Fox River bike path.”
Plan your run at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- Websitekaneforest.com
- Phone(630) 232-5980
- 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 |
Running trails near Carpentersville
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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Brunner Family Forest Preserve
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River Walk
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