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Richard Young Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 132 Google reviews · Running trail in Yorkville, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Richard Young 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.
Kid-friendly, pet-friendly space for hiking trails traversing prairies and forests.
What runners say about Richard Young Forest Preserve
“Beautiful forested park with a small section of prairie including a few miles of winding trails, elevation changes, and a scenic lookout.”
This a great trail if you want more of a natural experience. There is no real paved or stone pathway. It is a dirt path and fairly uneven, but great visual and auditory experience.
Gorgeous forest preserve here in Yorkville. 90% shaded once you're in the woods. Challenging inclines (with steps) and babbling brooks with wood bridges to cross. There are even wood paths through parts of the beautiful tall grass prairie. Highly recommend!
I've been to here a few times now. The first time was in the winter; BEAUTIFUL. There are some ice patches because of the streams throughout the pathways. Be careful but they are also really fun to skate around on if you're going with your kids, or if you are a big kid.
Make sure to bring your hiking/walking shoes. The terrain is not perfectly smooth. There is mud, stairs, and up hill action. Quite a big trail with some nice little streams along the way. Definitely would be back for the great little workout. Just maybe not when its sunny and 90 degrees 🥵
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful forested park with a small section of prairie including a few miles of winding trails, elevation changes, and a scenic lookout.”
“There's a small waterfall (sometimes more) so it can get pretty muddy after it rains.”
“Beautiful forested park with a small section of prairie including a few miles of winding trails, elevation changes, and a scenic lookout.”
“I bring my dog with me on all of my hiking/walking adventures and this place is definitely one of our favorites now.”
“Otherwise you have to memorize the landmarks and scenery in order to figure out the routes, to try to make a loop.”
“Personally, my favorite paths are not paved (check!”
Plan your run at Richard Young Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 630-553-4025
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
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