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Les Arends Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 160 Google reviews · Running trail in Batavia, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Les Arends 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.
Small, wooded preserve offering fishing in the Fox River, picnic areas & trails for hiking & biking.
What runners say about Les Arends Forest Preserve
“Nice preserve with short trails leading you right to the edge of the river for beautiful views.”
Nice preserve with short trails leading you right to the edge of the river for beautiful views. Connects right to the Fox River Trail. Plenty of parking and restrooms.
This is a lovely little semi-forested place stretched out along the Fox River. You can look across and see geese, and we came upon a tree that had been seriously chomped by beaver.
Nice location off of Rt 31. VERY nice set-up with two sheltered picnic areas. A large parking area allows you to not feel cramped. Always very clean and well maintained. Walkways to paths down by the river as well as the bicycle path. A few nice fishing spots. A great location for outdoor family get-togethers.
So serene. Lots of wildlife viewing plus don't fun fossils and a geology lesson :) numerous paths to take. Good for biking, jogging, walking your leashed dog, picnics. Even the bathrooms are nice. I've been going here for years and this is a consistently truly lovely place.
Trail conditions & character
“Nice picnic area with restrooms and even a pkayground for the little ones.”
“Nice preserve with short trails leading you right to the edge of the river for beautiful views.”
“Paved area for walking your leashed dog is fine, but the portion that takes you down to the river is like a jungle.”
“A large parking area allows you to not feel cramped.”
“Paved area for walking your leashed dog is fine, but the portion that takes you down to the river is like a jungle.”
“It has a nice shelter, a drinking fountain, and restrooms.”
Plan your run at Les Arends 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, water — 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
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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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