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Lake Forest Open Lands: Skokie River Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 72 Google reviews · Running trail in Lake Forest, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 3.6 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Forest Open Lands: Skokie River Nature 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 featuring kid-friendly hiking trails through forestland.
What runners say about Lake Forest Open Lands: Skokie River Nature Preserve
“The plant life was diverse, and the flowers were gorgeous.”
I visited Open Lands on Monday, July 28, 2025, on a hot, rainy day. There were several parking spots available. The paths were covered with grass, allowing me to walk barefoot. The plant life was diverse, and the flowers were gorgeous. The walkways were interesting, featuring hanging bridges and boardwalks.
A magical place 120 acres of the largest Forest preserve. Paths are grass and gravel. Dogs run and they love it. Also concrete bike pathways with Mile markers so you don't get lost. It's directly across from the lake forest hospital across train tracks or down deerpath road.
Beautiful, specially with fall colors.. there was a weird smell, but it was tolerable.. overall, a great hike..
nice winding trails. probably not a good idea to go if you're not a fan of off-leash dogs.
Trail conditions & character
“lovely walking paths and dogs are allowed off leash as well to have a good time!”
“The plant life was diverse, and the flowers were gorgeous.”
Plan your run at Lake Forest Open Lands: Skokie River Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance3.6 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
- Websitelfola.org
- Phone(847) 234-3880
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Lake Forest
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Forest Park
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37-acre park district facility with a 3/4-mile walking trail & a lakefront beach.
Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve
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Lake Forest Open Lands Association
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Old School Forest Preserve Shelter C
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