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Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve

4.2 ★★★★☆ 13 Google reviews · Running trail in Lake Forest, Illinois · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve — running trail in Lake Forest, IL, photo 1
Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve — running trail in Lake Forest, IL, photo 2
Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve — running trail in Lake Forest, IL, photo 3
Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve — running trail in Lake Forest, IL, photo 4
Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve — running trail in Lake Forest, IL, photo 5
Stroller / ADA

What runners say about Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (13 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Amazing place to stop off at for a quick break from every day life. The paths are well groomed and my dog loves it. Usually not crowded and the paths take about 30 minutes to walk. Don not go after a heavy rain. Well maintained and a breathe of fresh air.

★★★★★ — Brendan , May 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 13 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

♿ Stroller / ADA accessible

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitelfola.org
  • Phone(847) 234-3880
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Lake Forest Open Lands: West Skokie Nature Preserve

Stable Ln, Lake Forest, IL 60045

Get directions

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.

Lake Forest Open Lands: Derwen Mawr Nature Preserve

4.9 ★★★★★ 7 reviews

Lake Forest, IL

1.6 miles away

Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 131 reviews

Highland Park, IL

LoopCrushed gravelDog-friendly

Nature preserve with a trail, controlled-entry pond, and fenced-in acreage for dogs.

1.8 miles away

Prairie Wolf Slough County Forest Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 46 reviews

Lake Forest, IL

Dog-friendly

1.8 miles away

Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 257 reviews

Lake Forest, IL

4 miCrushed gravelScenicDog-friendly

This nature area features a tallgrass savanna, a 4-mile trail & wildlife such as Blanding's turtles.

1.9 miles away

Lake Forest Open Lands: Skokie River Nature Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 72 reviews

Lake Forest, IL

3.6 miScenicDog-friendly

Nature preserve featuring kid-friendly hiking trails through forestland.

2.0 miles away

Lake Forest Open Lands Association

4.5 ★★★★★ 10 reviews

Lake Forest, IL

2.5 miles away

All running trails in Lake Forest, IL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.