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Maple Grove Forest Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Running trail in Downers Grove, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 175 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Maple Grove 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.
Short trail through a wooded preserve, where red leaves and dappled sunlight create a magical feel.
What runners say about Maple Grove Forest Preserve
“Beautiful in any season, Maple Grove Forest Preserve is a small wooded preserve in the heart of Downers Grove.”
“The easy gravel path is a great place to walk, run, or bike and is accessible for most any ability levels.”
The fall feels were absolutely perfect and the trail is quiet. Lovely way to take in the autumn colors and relax.
Can get busy needs dedicated bike lanes! For safety but it's a beautiful place to walk bike around water and open fields Forest.
Maple Grove Forest Preserve is a hidden gem for nature lovers. Its 1-1/2 mile easy slope and undulating terrain make it accessible and exciting for hikers of all levels. The loop trail is a delightful stroll through the forest, and the lovely canopy with dappled sunlight creates a magical atmosphere.
Beautiful in any season, Maple Grove Forest Preserve is a small wooded preserve in the heart of Downers Grove. The main trail connects two parks - Gilbert Park on the north and Memorial Park on the south. The easy gravel path is a great place to walk, run, or bike and is accessible for most any ability levels.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful in any season, Maple Grove Forest Preserve is a small wooded preserve in the heart of Downers Grove.”
“The loop trail is a delightful stroll through the forest, and the lovely canopy with dappled sunlight creates a magical atmosphere.”
“The easy gravel path is a great place to walk, run, or bike and is accessible for most any ability levels.”
“The easy gravel path is a great place to walk, run, or bike and is accessible for most any ability levels.”
Plan your run at Maple Grove Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance175 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedupageforest.org
- Phone+1 630-933-7248
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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