Home › Illinois › Palatine › Plum Grove Reservoir Park
Plum Grove Reservoir Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 178 Google reviews · Running trail in Palatine, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Plum Grove Reservoir Park'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 Plum Grove Reservoir Park
“Nice picnic tables, a very nice play park next to it, and a beautiful lake all make for a great place to visit over and over.”
This park is a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll, thanks to its well-maintained paved trail—perfect for an easy walk. During the summer, be mindful of the birds, as they can get protective of their nests and might swoop at passersby.
This was a nice place to take a walk. It was pretty busy with lots of people walking dogs - we have dogs that don't behave well with other dogs but it was just fine, plenty of space to walk. Also, the outdoor bathroom was just fine, not scary or smelly.
A lovely bit of wilderness with a mown trail around the reservoir for walking. Dogs are welcome; my dog loved exploring the sights and smells as we strolled along the trail. Fishing is allowed, mainly catch and release (see sign).
Nice PRIVATE Dog park Looks wonderful but we couldn’t use it since it’s for locals with a key to get in :( See rules in photo. Reservoir does make for a great walk. But you can’t complain a loop since the north inlet end is “Private Property- No Trespassing” with no bridge or way to get across. :(
Trail conditions & character
“It was pretty busy with lots of people walking dogs - we have dogs that don't behave well with other dogs but it was just fine, plenty of space to walk.”
“This park is a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll, thanks to its well-maintained paved trail—perfect for an easy walk.”
“I believe you can reserve the picnic table area, it has a portable bathroom outside, bike trail, water to fish in and plenty of wildlife to observe.”
Plan your run at Plum Grove Reservoir Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitepalatineparks.org
- Phone+1 847-991-0333
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Palatine
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
North Salk Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 83 reviews
Clean park offering disc golf and a playground, along with paved paths and a hillside for sledding.
Riemer Reservoir Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 320 reviews
Public park with picnic tables and a restroom, plus disc golf, skateboarding, hiking, and sledding.
Grassy Ridge Meadow
4.6 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
Nature preserve featuring forest, trails, and a pond, as well as kid-friendly hikes.
Paul Douglas Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 412 reviews
Public woodlands popular for bird-watching, with a paved cycling trail & an 18-hole golf course.
South Salk Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 325 reviews
Community park featuring lighted ball fields, a basketball court & playground with climbing rocks.