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Lake Paterson Trail

4.3 ★★★★☆ 9 Google reviews · Running trail in Aurora, 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 Paterson Trail 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.

What runners say about Lake Paterson Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (9 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Trail was a bit squishy from all the snow melt. The trail on north side of the lake was under 6 inches of water and not passable. So halfway around you turn around and go back the way you came. I find the north side has been this way on other occasions.

★★★★☆ — Lucy , Mar 2022

Really nice trail that loops around the lake. There's a couple small bridge crossings and really nice views of the lake along the trail. There's also a lot of side trails through the woods.

★★★★★ — Jeremy , Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 9 reviews →

Plan your run at Lake Paterson Trail

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.

Where to find Lake Paterson Trail

126 Eastern Ave, Aurora, IL 60505

Get directions

Running trails near Aurora

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 702 reviews

Aurora, IL

PavedScenicDog-friendly

This large marsh with lake offers wildlife viewing, fishing, picnic areas, a boat launch & trails.

under a mile away

Waubonsie Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 914 reviews

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LoopPavedScenicDog-friendly

Serene park with a lake for fishing, plus biking trails, a playground & waterfront picnic pavilion.

1.3 miles away

Simmons Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 168 reviews

Aurora, IL

Park featuring a playground and picnic facilities, plus soccer and cricket fields.

2.0 miles away

Arlene Shoemaker Flatwoods Nature Preserve

4.2 ★★★★☆ 26 reviews

Aurora, IL

MixedDog-friendly

2.1 miles away

Spring Lake Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 374 reviews

Aurora, IL

Scenic

Waterfront green space with baseball & soccer fields, walking trails, picnic areas & a playground.

2.2 miles away

McCullough Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 374 reviews

Aurora, IL

Scenic

Riverfront, spacious park featuring a playground, soccer nets, free sports programs and picnic tables.

2.3 miles away

All running trails in Aurora, 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.