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North Park Walking Stick Woods Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Running trail in Chicago, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from North Park Walking Stick Woods Natural 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.
What runners say about North Park Walking Stick Woods Natural Area
Walking Sticks Woods is a great natural area for kids to explore. The one tricky part is finding the entrance. You can enter Peterson Park through a gate near Central Park and Ardmore.
Love this place. The trail is well-maintained and there are some really cool constructed nature play areas. Hardest part is finding the entrance. They really need to add a gate on Central Park.
It’s places like this that build longevity living in the city with kids. Such an enjoyable space for kids to play complete with loose wood, picnic tables, paths and well… nature. Coming back.
This is a hidden gem with great trails to explore and several nature play areas for kids.
Trail conditions & character
“There is also a small parking lot just south of the fieldhouse - but that is only accessible via the entrance off Pulaski.”
Plan your run at North Park Walking Stick Woods Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitechicagoparkdistrict.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
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