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Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-West
4.7 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Running trail in Oak Forest, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-West'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 Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-West
“Beautiful sort of “hidden gem” of Oak Forest since the three entrances are not very obvious.”
“It's a peaceful park with plenty of wildlife and trails.”
Is it haunted? You be the judge. Very cool paved walking trail on an old Native American settlement with some signs detailing the history. Near an old settlement farm and state hospital. Very serene and creepy in a good way. Nice pond. Lots of deer and geese and wildflowers.
Nice little "get away " in your own backyard. Small lake for licensed fishing. Little picnic area for eating. 1.7 mile track to walk. Lots of deer and birds. Great for dog walking.
They have a mile and a quarter oval to walk in blacktop or there’s a halfway point you can do that and split the difference. They have fishing there no cars people with dogs walk it. It’s just a wonderful wonderful place. See a lot of deer my wife and I fed 13 deer the other daycharles
I've been making yearly pilgrimages to this site since I found out that my younger sister who lived only one day is buried in the potter's field located here. It's a peaceful park with plenty of wildlife and trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful sort of “hidden gem” of Oak Forest since the three entrances are not very obvious.”
“It's a peaceful park with plenty of wildlife and trails.”
“They have fishing there no cars people with dogs walk it.”
“Very cool paved walking trail on an old Native American settlement with some signs detailing the history.”
Plan your run at Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-West
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- 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.
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone+1 800-870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Oak Forest
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 147 reviews
A 176.3-acre woodland conservation area steeped in Native American heritage with a 1.7-mile trail.
Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Trail
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Midlothian Meadows
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Sprawling woodland preserve offers various hiking & biking trails & paved paths, plus picnic areas.
Yankee Woods
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Relaxed, 3-mile trail for walking, jogging and biking, plus wooded surroundings, picnic tables and a dog park.
Kostner Park (Bellybutton Hill)
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Public park with a playground, open field, and a summer movie series.