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Robinson Woods-South

4.6 ★★★★★ 103 Google reviews · Running trail in Chicago, Illinois · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Robinson Woods-South'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.

MixedScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Nature preserve featuring deer, trails for running, picnicking, and biking, and a public restroom.

What runners say about Robinson Woods-South

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (103 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“Its a nice clean preserve, with one portopotty.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Beautiful scenery and it is great trail therapy.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Nice place , not crowded like other parks in the area and”

I've been to many forest preserves and im giving this a 5 star due to the trail paths for biking is awesome. It has a lot parking space. Beautiful clear field to play. Bathrooms or johns. We will definitely come back here again in the morning and explore more. See photos. IG - Jeyzong101behinddascene.

★★★★★ — Jason , Aug 2018

I park here to access the Des Plaines River Trail. I haven't had any problems here and it isn't congested like Schiller Woods can be. The only bad thing is that the trail underpass beneath Lawrence is almost always muddy and virtually unusable so you have to play Frogger crossing the street if you want to go north.

★★★★☆ — David , Apr 2018

Nice running trails. River was high so muddy along some of the trails. Not easy to get to from the motel 6 - have to walk on the side of the road.

★★★★☆ — Ian , Apr 2024

Great ride. Definitely need a mountain bike, but a road bike is ok. Beautiful scenery and it is great trail therapy.

★★★★★ — Lamar , Oct 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 103 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 8 mentions

“I like to park parallel to the curb so I can lay in the back seat and have a panoramic view.”

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🚻 Restrooms 5 mentions

“There are also portable potties that were clean and seemed to be regularly serviced.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Not a lot of parking, tho there's usually a place to park.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Nice place , not crowded like other parks in the area and”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“River was high so muddy along some of the trails.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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🛣️ Paved surface

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Plan your run at Robinson Woods-South

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Trail mapOfficial trail map
  • Websitefpdcc.com
  • Phone+1 800-870-3666
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 am–7 pm
Tuesday 7 am–7 pm
Wednesday 7 am–7 pm
Thursday 7 am–7 pm
Friday 7 am–7 pm
Saturday 7 am–7 pm
Sunday 7 am–7 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Robinson Woods-South

W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60706

Get directions

Running trails near Chicago

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Schiller Woods

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,677 reviews

Chicago, IL

ScenicDog-friendly

Fishing for bass & catfish, plus walking trails, picnic areas & roaming deer in protected woodland.

under a mile away

Des Plaines River Trail - New Boardwalk

4.7 ★★★★★ 26 reviews

Chicago, IL

MixedScenicDog-friendly

under a mile away

Che Che Pin Qua Woods

4.9 ★★★★★ 11 reviews

Chicago, IL

under a mile away

Schiller Woods-East

4.7 ★★★★★ 510 reviews

Chicago, IL

ScenicDog-friendly

Nature preserve featuring forests, a public restroom, picnic tables, and kid-friendly hikes.

under a mile away

Schiller Woods-South

4.5 ★★★★★ 312 reviews

Chicago, IL

ScenicDog-friendly

under a mile away

Catherine Chevalier Woods

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,097 reviews

Chicago, IL

PavedScenicDog-friendly

This expansive tract features a variety of nature habitats, plus areas for picnicking & hiking.

1.0 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.