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Old School Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 770 Google reviews · Running trail in Libertyville, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Old School 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.
A 543-acre reserve with trails & picnic shelters known for biking, cross country skiing & fishing.
What runners say about Old School Forest Preserve
“Extremely well maintained trail with bathrooms as well.”
“One can come with family & enjoy a beautiful trail walk, bathe in the beauty of nature & outdoor world.”
“It's a great place for riding your bike, running, or walking, either by yourself, with someone, or a furry companion.”
“Not a lot of people around and it was really peaceful here despite being by the expressway and smaller than most preserves.”
Nice spot for biking and hiking/walking with link up to Des Plaines River Trail and North Shore Trail. NOTE!!! Be aware of toxic invasive plants! I just saw Giant Hogweed this weekend right next to the path in several spots. (Looks like a giant version of Queen Anne’s Lace.
Beautiful place during the fall and nice walking trails around the woods. Blessed to be in the community with this lush green tails.
Feels so nice to run here. It’s quiet and scenic. Don’t forget there’s a 1 mile loop around the fishing pond.
I'm simultaneously happy and sad this place isn't as utilized as it should be. Found it after holding a large work team gathering with tons of games and food. The park employees were super helpful with that so I was happy to come back with my family. Lots of hiking trails, brilliant foliage, natural setting.
Trail conditions & character
“One can come with family & enjoy a beautiful trail walk, bathe in the beauty of nature & outdoor world.”
“Many picnic areas and plenty of parking lots.”
“It was a peaceful day to view the sledding hill and have a mile walk around a very pretty pond loop”
“It was a peaceful day to view the sledding hill and have a mile walk around a very pretty pond loop”
“Not a lot of people around and it was really peaceful here despite being by the expressway and smaller than most preserves.”
“Extremely well maintained trail with bathrooms as well.”
Plan your run at Old School 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
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone+1 847-367-6640
Running trails near Libertyville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Old School Forest Preserve Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
Old School Forest Preserve Shelter C
4.7 ★★★★★ 21 reviews
Des Plaines River Trailhead at Old Rockland Road
4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews
Dale's Nature Path
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Lake Forest Open Lands Association
4.5 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews