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Maple Lake East - Mountain Bike Staging Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 202 Google reviews · Running trail in Willow Springs, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Maple Lake East - Mountain Bike Staging Area'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.
Large preserve featuring a lake for activities and picnic areas, along with biking and walking trails.
What runners say about Maple Lake East - Mountain Bike Staging Area
“Maple Lake is part of the beautiful Cook County Forest Preserve.”
“Easy to follow trails around the lake.”
So, the trails here are quite nice. Lots of marked and unmarked ones for all kinds of taste. If you like an easy flowing ride choose the blue and green trails. For more advanced riders I suggest black and blue. Nothing super hard or extreme but still a nice ride and challenge every time i come here.
Awesome place for mountain biking. They have a starter trail around the cemetery and a bigger one across from it that rounds several miles. Totally awesome.
My home mountain bike trails. These trails were built and are maintained by CAMBR, which is a group of volunteer local mountain bikers. Pretty much mecca for trail riding in the Chicago area. These are also excellent hiking and running trails.
Things to love: some sections with great flow, lots of elevation changes, large trail system with everything from single track to crushed stone trails. Things I didn’t like: the trails a bidirectional, trail markings could be better, lots of riders, hikers, but this should be expected in such a densely populated area.
Trail conditions & character
“Maple Lake is part of the beautiful Cook County Forest Preserve.”
“Things to love: some sections with great flow, lots of elevation changes, large trail system with everything from single track to crushed stone trails.”
“Gets pretty busy on the weekends, but there are some lesser known trails where you might not see anyone while other parking lots are packed.”
Plan your run at Maple Lake East - Mountain Bike Staging Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 — 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone+1 800-870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Willow Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Country Lane Woods
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Free-admission picnic area with trails amid forest preserves.
Willow Springs Woods
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Forest preserve popular for its multi-use trails offers year-round outdoor recreation.
Wolf Road Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 432 reviews
Hilly forest preserve offering biking and hiking trails for all levels, plus picnic areas.