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Joe Orr Woods (Cook County Forest Preserve)
4.3 ★★★★☆ 192 Google reviews · Running trail in Chicago Heights, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Joe Orr Woods (Cook County 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.
Nature preserve with picnic tables and a public restroom, plus walking and biking paths.
What runners say about Joe Orr Woods (Cook County Forest Preserve)
“There's nothing not to love about a clean environment in nature”
“It's a quiet place to pull up in your car and relax, look at nature, enjoy the scenery, watch peopl walk, run , and just eat my lunch.”
My pedal pals and I rode the Thorn Creek trails. Full of autumn beauty and Mother Nature's creatures. Fantastic time viewing the gorgeous landscape.
They have a very nice and secluded jogging/walking path through the preserves. You can also walk/jog in the opposite direction through the surrounding neighborhood. Used several times during the pandemic. Bikes are allowed but thank goodness not overwhelming. Great for clearing the mind
I've been here for a couple of years now to come together with my family and I can say that it's nice and relaxing. The walking trail is wonderful. You don't hear the traffic on the streets. I like it here. No complaints from me.
It was great. We got there early and the trail was clean and clear. Not crowded. Fixed a tire at 20 miles. We road 24 miles total
Trail conditions & character
“It's a quiet place to pull up in your car and relax, look at nature, enjoy the scenery, watch peopl walk, run , and just eat my lunch.”
“Nice park and we actually saw the Porta John being cleaned.”
Plan your run at Joe Orr Woods (Cook County 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone(800) 870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near Chicago Heights
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Apollo Park South
4.7 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Park with baseball and soccer fields, plus picnic tables and a kids' playground.
Glenwood Woods-South
4 ★★★★☆ 43 reviews
A large, forested nature preserve, featuring lakes, trails & areas for picnicking.
