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Half Day Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 770 Google reviews · Running trail in Vernon Hills, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Half Day 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.
Scenic preserve featuring picnic shelters, pond fishing & areas for viewing migratory songbirds.
What runners say about Half Day Forest Preserve
“This is a beautiful place to walk, good space for parking, and the trail is connected to several county’s across the state so you can be there for hours walking or riding a bike.”
“I give extra stars to whoever maintains this place because it's very accessible and easy to navigate.”
Half Day Forest Preserve is really nice to walk, run, bike, picnic with friends and family. There is a park, shelter areas and trails around.
Very beautiful park. Two lakes, beautiful bridges, piers, paths for walking and cycling, tables, benches, drinking water, toilets, garbage cans. Beautiful playgrounds, a place for volleyball, picnic eria. Swimming fish, beavers) Wonderful singing of birds, the smell of the forest🥰
Conveniently off of Milwaukee Avenue, with plenty of parking in several sections. Connecting ponds and along the Des Plaines River. It also connects to Wright woods. Short hike around ponds that connect to longer hikes along the river. Worth stopping at even if it is just to do a lunch hike near your work.
Great trails, and my kids love the playground. So many different trails and paths to go on. Very beautiful scenery. So many different birds and animals that we have seen on our walks. We have seen turtles, cranes, fish, chipmunks, and frogs. The paths are well taken care of and a lot of fun to go on.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a beautiful place to walk, good space for parking, and the trail is connected to several county’s across the state so you can be there for hours walking or riding a bike.”
“This is a beautiful place to walk, good space for parking, and the trail is connected to several county’s across the state so you can be there for hours walking or riding a bike.”
“Because it is next to the Des Plaines River it can get muddy and soggy.”
“The trails are flat, gravel paved, very easy to walk or ride.”
“I give extra stars to whoever maintains this place because it's very accessible and easy to navigate.”
Plan your run at Half Day Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone+1 847-367-6640
Running trails near Vernon Hills
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve
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Deerpath Park
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Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area Welcome Center
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MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve
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