Home › Illinois › Round Lake › Marl Flat Forest Preserve
Marl Flat Forest Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Running trail in Round Lake, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Marl Flat 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.
Nature preserve with trails, a pond, and a disc golf course.
What runners say about Marl Flat Forest Preserve
“AS with most of the Lake county forest preserve trails, it is well maintained.”
“If you are looking for a peaceful hike through some beautiful flowers this is it.”
“If you are looking for a peaceful hike through some beautiful flowers this is it.”
I walk through here at lunch. I love that they have a bathroom and would LOVE a water fountain, but I can't complain. It is beautiful, well taken care of, peaceful & quiet. There is some wildlife and plenty of plantlife and I don't smell any chemicals being used, thankfully.
Enjoyed the paved pathway nice and wide for passing others. Just wish there was a garbage can along the way.
Not a loop, but a part of Millennium Trail. Nice paved trails. Not much shade. Not too hilly.
It's a lovely park to walk in, but as an older single woman I like to have a partner to walk with. There are some very wooded areas where I feel safer with another person there.
Trail conditions & character
“I usually look for real wooded areas to walk & this trail was pretty much open.”
“If you are looking for a peaceful hike through some beautiful flowers this is it.”
“If you are looking for a peaceful hike through some beautiful flowers this is it.”
“Enjoyed the paved pathway nice and wide for passing others.”
“I love that they have a bathroom and would LOVE a water fountain, but I can't complain.”
“I love that they have a bathroom and would LOVE a water fountain, but I can't complain.”
Plan your run at Marl Flat Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone+1 847-367-6640
Running trails near Round Lake
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Heron View Park - Round Lake Area Park District
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Fairfield Park - Round Lake Area Park District
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Seasonal outdoor swimming pool with splash pad, interactive nature trail & indoor wildlife exhibits.
Nippersink Forest Preserve
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Scenic preserve with lakes, woodlands & marshes, popular for hiking, picnics & wildlife viewing.
Hart's Hill Park - Round Lake Area Park District
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Park where visitors can pursue activities such as sledding, running, and walking.
Hart's Woods Park - Round Lake Area Park District
4.5 ★★★★★ 190 reviews
Fenced outdoor area for kids that also has swings, slides and picnic tables.