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Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,947 Google reviews · Running trail in Wheaton, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Herrick Lake 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.
885-acre nature preserve with over 5 miles of trails, plus boat rentals & fishing opportunities.
What runners say about Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
“Beautiful scenery, reasonably clean rest facilities (some with running water).”
“It’s very scenic, and I find the trails to be easier than other places without sacrificing the overall outdoor experience.”
“Beautiful, peaceful lake so close to the city, but seems a world away.”
Great place to enjoy a lake with affordable rentals for kayaks near Naperville with multiple areas for larger groups of 10-20 you don’t need to reserve at a pavilion (mulch areas under the trees) … and for any age bike trails for short and longer loops.
Beautiful scenery, reasonably clean rest facilities (some with running water). Picnic areas, gravel covered paths. Some paths have an uphill grade but numerous others don't. A lap around the lake is about 2 miles. Canoes available to rent.
We had a picnic at one of the many picnic tables which was very nice and not overcrowded at all. We took a stroller on the oath around the lake which was around 1 mile and the stroller did fine on the dirt/gravel path. There were many dogs which us always fun since we also bring out dog out with us.
We love coming here for a long walk. Lot of foliage and the trails are wide, clean and well maintained. We also bike here sometimes. There are many parking spaces available in this park and it’s free. Bathrooms are available.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s very scenic, and I find the trails to be easier than other places without sacrificing the overall outdoor experience.”
“Fabulous place to do picnics, great trails for hikes and biking, wonderful place for dogs and can't forget plenty of restroom areas.”
“We took a stroller on the oath around the lake which was around 1 mile and the stroller did fine on the dirt/gravel path.”
“The loop around the preserve is approximately 5 miles not including the loop around the lake.”
“Beautiful, peaceful lake so close to the city, but seems a world away.”
“Fabulous place to do picnics, great trails for hikes and biking, wonderful place for dogs and can't forget plenty of restroom areas.”
“We took a stroller on the oath around the lake which was around 1 mile and the stroller did fine on the dirt/gravel path.”
“The loop around the preserve is approximately 5 miles not including the loop around the lake.”
“There are many parking spaces available in this park and it’s free.”
Plan your run at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitedupageforest.org
- Phone(630) 933-7248
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Wheaton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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.
