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Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 470 Google reviews · Running trail in South Elgin, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Jon J. Duerr 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 on the Fox River with hiking trails, a boat launch, picnic areas & historic sites.
What runners say about Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
“Well maintained forest preserve with bathrooms and a boat launch.”
“Within my hour and a half hike walking alongside the Fox River, I got to see plenty of beautiful greenery, the dam, cross the bridge, see a mini waterfall and more.”
This place is definitely on my top list of hidden gems in the Kane County area! There is plenty to see and explore with little to no difficulty. Within my hour and a half hike walking alongside the Fox River, I got to see plenty of beautiful greenery, the dam, cross the bridge, see a mini waterfall and more.
It's a beautiful place to walk and enjoy nature. There is a tree with a metal pole stuck in it that I'm still trying to find out how that happened and some unknown soldiers burrial area from The Blackhawk war of 1832. Amazing place!
Wonderful trails. Kids friendly.wheelchair access.not big waterfall but kids will have gudtime walking on the rocks. They can watch tadpoles too.
Plenty of parking space. My dog really loved the shade that the paths provided. Wish there were more paths that wasn’t so close to the road as the sound of cars passing made it difficult to hear the sounds of nature. Overall, the views were nice and the paved paths were a plus.
Trail conditions & character
“Within my hour and a half hike walking alongside the Fox River, I got to see plenty of beautiful greenery, the dam, cross the bridge, see a mini waterfall and more.”
“Good boat launch, picnic tables and restrooms right by it, no play ground thought, old train station that has a train going back and forth to elgin train museum”
“plenty of parking and plenty of shade just a beautiful place very peaceful it's the last stop of the South Elgin trolley.”
“Overall, the views were nice and the paved paths were a plus.”
“It is VERY family friendly, as there is also a kids park, dog park, restrooms, and plenty of areas for fishing.”
Plan your run at Jon J. Duerr 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.
- Websitekaneforest.com
- Phone(630) 232-5980
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near South Elgin
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
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Picturesque preserve boasting oak and maple trees, as well as woods and hills, where canoeists, kayakers and boaters enjoy the Fox River and its trails.
Blackhawk County Forest Preserve
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Beautiful reserve for walking and biking trails, plus a waterfall (Blackhawk Falls).
James Pate Philip State Park
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Home to a diverse array of wildlife, this open area offers a visitor center, picnic spots & trails.
Bartlett Nature Center
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Educational center for kids to learn about local creatures along with hiking trails.
Blackhawk Park
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Family-friendly, local park featuring a playground, fields with backstops and a pond for fishing.