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Independence Grove Forest Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,710 Google reviews · Running trail in Libertyville, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Independence Grove 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.
Large park with a 115-acre lake, trails, visitor center with exhibits, amphitheater, marina & cafe.
What runners say about Independence Grove Forest Preserve
“The preserve offers stunning scenery with its beautiful lake, well-maintained trails, and lush green spaces.”
“The preserve offers stunning scenery with its beautiful lake, well-maintained trails, and lush green spaces.”
“Is easy to access, easy to park, and has great paved path paths for running for biking or walking.”
“It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful walk, a bike ride, or even a day of fishing or kayaking on the lake.”
One of the best places I have ever seen! From the beginning, there are no entrance fees or fees for parking the car. There are many parking spots available. The place is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and fishing. The fishing policy is catch-and-release in certain areas only, not throughout the entire park.
I can spend all day talking about how wonderful this place is. My son graduated from boot camp. We came in a few days early to scope out different areas of interest that we could present to him as places to spend some time together as a family when he was on leave.
Independence Grove Forest Preserve is one of the big benefits of Lake County residents that we sometimes take it for granted. This park is beautiful and just amazing.
Amazing Forest preserve right on the north end of Libertyville. Is easy to access, easy to park, and has great paved path paths for running for biking or walking. Also connects to the unpaid paths in Lake County forest preserve trails.
Trail conditions & character
“The preserve offers stunning scenery with its beautiful lake, well-maintained trails, and lush green spaces.”
“It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful walk, a bike ride, or even a day of fishing or kayaking on the lake.”
“Is easy to access, easy to park, and has great paved path paths for running for biking or walking.”
“Independence Grove also has bathrooms and a venue for food and a large indoor rental space for events.”
Plan your run at Independence Grove Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone(847) 968-3499
Running trails near Libertyville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake County Forest Preserve
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Wilmot Woods Forest Preserve
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
Casey Trail & Greenway
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Butler Lake Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 177 reviews
58-acre park with baseball/football fields, paths & a playground, plus fishing, picnic areas & BBQs.
Dale's Nature Path
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Butler Lake
4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews