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Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 738 Google reviews · Running trail in Grayslake, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Rollins Savanna 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.
Wildlife-filled prairie preserve on 1,200 acres with trails, seed library & snowmobiling in winter.
What runners say about Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve
“The trail was nice and wide, gravel surface, and the park was clean.”
“Large beautiful old trees in a very small portion make up about 10% of the trail for a brief reprieve from the sun.”
“5 mile loop around the middle and since there is no shade my huskies were roasting like it was the Sahara and it was only 50°.”
I recently rode The Millennium Trail and what a beautiful trail it is. I will let my photos speak to it's beauty. Great for biking and photography. Not much wildlife, but I did find a wild turkey or it found me. lol
Really pretty. Very open since it's a savanna so be prepared for very little shade or protection from the wind. Some cute boardwalks to walk across. There's also a trivia trail, it's a bit challenging for younger kids, but they had fun at least in the beginning running from one sign to the next.
If you enjoy birdwatching or taking their photos, this savanna is their perfect nesting habitat. I enjoy watching the swallows dive bombing on the water for bugs during a chilly and cloudy day. The big loop is about 3.5 miles so you will get quite a long walk out there.
What an absolutely wonderful place. Extensive gravel trails. There was an abundance of native wildflowers, grasses, insects, and birds. I saw a monarch and American goldfinches. A great place to exercise and get in touch with native wildlife.
Trail conditions & character
“5 mile loop around the middle and since there is no shade my huskies were roasting like it was the Sahara and it was only 50°.”
“Nice wide gravel trails, even and totally flat which makes it a great place for bird watching.”
“Large beautiful old trees in a very small portion make up about 10% of the trail for a brief reprieve from the sun.”
“5 mile loop around the middle and since there is no shade my huskies were roasting like it was the Sahara and it was only 50°.”
“Nice wide gravel trails, even and totally flat which makes it a great place for bird watching.”
“Small building with bathrooms and drinking fountains which will be great when theyvare turned on!”
“Small building with bathrooms and drinking fountains which will be great when theyvare turned on!”
Plan your run at Rollins Savanna 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
- Loop distance3.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone+1 847-367-6640
Running trails near Grayslake
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Central Park
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Ravinia Park
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Jones Island Park
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Grays Lake park featuring a beach, a playground, volleyball courts, and picnic shelters.
