HomeIllinoisNorth Aurora › Lake Run Forest Preserve

Lake Run Forest Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Running trail in North Aurora, Illinois · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Crushed gravel
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Lake Run 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.

Crushed gravelDog-friendlyRestrooms

What runners say about Lake Run Forest Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (12 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

W trail but lots of Karens 😭 if you have a surron or any other e-moto beware 🥀

★★★★★ — Mateo , Feb 2026

Nice well maintained hiking trail, good for a quick walk or jog. Little bit of forest and prairie for some variety.

★★★★★ — J , Jul 2025

Lake Run Forest Preserve features a crushed limestone trail primarily through a prairie, with some woods segments. The trail does have some inclines, but it's a pretty easy and well-maintained trail. Despite being really close to Interstate 88 and nearby homes, it's very peaceful and quiet.

★★★★☆ — Jeremy , Aug 2025

Crushed limestone walking paths through the prairie, clover fields, along a small stream, and through oak - hickory savannah. No bathrooms. Some interpretative signage along the path. Wildflowers are best in August and September.

★★★★★ — Jason , Feb 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 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.

🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone 2 mentions

“Crushed limestone walking paths through the prairie, clover fields, along a small stream, and through oak - hickory savannah.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“There's no restroom facilities available and there's only one picnic table near the parking lot.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly

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Plan your run at Lake Run Forest Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
  • 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitekaneforest.com
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Lake Run Forest Preserve

40W255, Tanner Rd, North Aurora, IL 60542

Get directions

Running trails near North Aurora

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

Dick Young Forest Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 270 reviews

Batavia, IL

5 miLoopMixedShaded

Peaceful, lakefront area offering wetland, woodland & prairie trails, plus varied plants & animals.

2.2 miles away

Aurora West Forest Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 179 reviews

Aurora, IL

Crushed gravelDog-friendly

715-acre park of prairie, marsh & woodland with a multi-purpose trail & a model airplane field.

2.3 miles away

West Main Community and Bark Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 226 reviews

Batavia, IL

PavedShadedDog-friendly

Spacious, dog-friendly park featuring a baseball field, a disc golf course, swimming holes and agility facilities.

2.3 miles away

Hannaford Woods/Nickels Farm Forest Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 15 reviews

Sugar Grove, IL

MixedDog-friendly

2.4 miles away

Bliss Woods Forest Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 241 reviews

Sugar Grove, IL

PavedShadedScenic

Trails and paths crisscross this wooded park with a pavilion and picnic tables.

2.8 miles away

Hawk's Bluff Park

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Batavia, IL

PavedDog-friendly

3.4 miles away

All running trails in North 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.