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Nippersink Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 667 Google reviews · Running trail in Round Lake, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Nippersink 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.
Scenic preserve with lakes, woodlands & marshes, popular for hiking, picnics & wildlife viewing.
What runners say about Nippersink Forest Preserve
“The trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful scenery, making it a peaceful escape into nature.”
“It was so gorgeous, a huge pavilion, stairway down to the lake, a volley-ball sand area, and not-half-bad-for-being-outside bathrooms!”
“Despite being a smaller forest preserve, it offers plenty of amenities like fishing spots and trails, which I found ideal for my running training.”
“It's a very nice place to walk and calm your head, plus they have a very nice sized pond with plenty of fish(catch and release only) to go fishing for.”
Beautiful and short/simple walking trail. Lots of places to fish and picnic. Has plenty of parking and bathroom available. Open sun up to sundown.
Beautiful preserve, with walking paths that are nice though muddy when rainy. The ponds have fish in them, while there some people caught a large 1.5ft cat fish but it died as they didn't get it off the hook fast enough. There are pavilions with grill stations and public bathrooms.
It’s a great forest preserve. We always have fun walking on the trails and enjoying the bliss of nature. The scenic views and chirping of birds can be breathtaking. You might encounter geese crossing your way. It’s a nice place for picnic or weekend getaway.
Good place for fishing, picnic, sightseeing, walking, jogging, running, biking, or even doing some workout routines (we saw some groups doing yoga & pushups in one of the gazebos). This is not a “park” so don’t expect playgrounds for kids.
Trail conditions & character
“there are restrooms hiking fishing picnic tables kids had fun a lot of space and parking awesome view of nature don't forget your bug spray”
“there are restrooms hiking fishing picnic tables kids had fun a lot of space and parking awesome view of nature don't forget your bug spray”
“there are restrooms hiking fishing picnic tables kids had fun a lot of space and parking awesome view of nature don't forget your bug spray”
“The trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful scenery, making it a peaceful escape into nature.”
“Great little loop with a short out and back section if wanted.”
Plan your run at Nippersink Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone+1 847-367-6640
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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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