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Herrick Lake Forest Preserve West
4.9 ★★★★★ 66 Google reviews · Running trail in Naperville, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Herrick Lake Forest Preserve West'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 Herrick Lake Forest Preserve West
“The preserve itself was very clean and well maintained.”
“If you're looking to get out into nature, and do some hiking in a beautiful area, this might be a good place to go in Dupage County.”
Great little forest preserve parking area located on Herrick Lake in Dupage County. This area has lots of room for cars plenty of parking and easy access to walking trails bicycle path and jogging trails through the forest preserve.
It's a great place for hiking or just walking. It's also the best place to see the fall colors over the lake in our area. If you get there at the right week, usually the 3rd week, in October.
This is a gem of a forest preserve that has something for everyone. The trails are immaculate with several loops that total around 10 miles, winding through forests, prairie, lakes and ponds, and even through a horseback riding farm with pastures for grazing horses.
If you're looking to get out into nature, and do some hiking in a beautiful area, this might be a good place to go in Dupage County. There are miles of hiking trails here that hook into the Prairie Path. While we were there, we saw dogs, horses and cyclists also using the trails.
Trail conditions & character
“If you're looking to get out into nature, and do some hiking in a beautiful area, this might be a good place to go in Dupage County.”
“Lovely lake, boat rentals, picnic shelters, bathrooms.”
“The view was nice as we celebrated at the Station along the water and next to the parking lot.”
“Nice local loop round the lake, connected to a nice woods/prairie loop(s).”
“The trails connect with other trails for a great experience of a long bike ride—we did 24 miles a couple weeks ago!”
“While we were there, we saw dogs, horses and cyclists also using the trails.”
Plan your run at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve West
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Loop distance7 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitedupageforest.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Naperville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
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885-acre nature preserve with over 5 miles of trails, plus boat rentals & fishing opportunities.
St. James Farm Forest Preserve
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Hikers, bikers & horseback riders can explore a protected area of woodlands, prairies & wetlands.
Warrenville Grove
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Woodland park featuring areas for picnicking & fishing, plus a trail network for hiking & biking.
Danada Forest Preserve
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Nature preserve offering a lake with fishing, an equestrian center & trails through varied habitats.