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Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 131 Google reviews · Running trail in Highland Park, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Prairie Wolf 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.
Nature preserve with a trail, controlled-entry pond, and fenced-in acreage for dogs.
What runners say about Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve
Amazing place to watch birds, especially in the spring months. I was blessed to see about 10 different species. There are areas where you can watch birds on close. Very nice trails full of different beautiful trees but very few benches around.
This dog park is a joy. There is plenty of parking. The gates are easy to maneuver and the grounds are very clean. It has two bathrooms also kept very clean. The dogs have many areas to run and play with other dogs or be alone in the wilderness far from traffic.
My dogs favorite place in the world. We’ve been coming here for years and he loves the lakes and open field. We spend a solid 2 hours here each time and walk the trails, play ball in the fields and dives for balls in the lake. This park is very well taken care of.
Just pull in the lot off of half-day road & enjoy an easy one mile loop hike thru woods & prairie around a restored wetland.
Trail conditions & character
“I no longer get have a dog but it's fun watching them enjoy the park.”
“Just pull in the lot off of half-day road & enjoy an easy one mile loop hike thru woods & prairie around a restored wetland.”
“Small parking lot, but it wasn't busy when I visited on a weekday afternoon.”
“Small Forest Preserve with a gravel trail that's good for a quick walk.”
“No bathroom at all so if you have kids it might be little difficult for them.”
Plan your run at Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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(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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