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Sauk Trail Woods
4.5 ★★★★★ 118 Google reviews · Running trail in South Chicago Heights, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 3.4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Sauk Trail Woods' 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.
Forested 630-acre area bounded by a Native American thoroughfare, with trails, picnicking & a lake.
What runners say about Sauk Trail Woods
“Supper clean 4 miles long very nice path people are very nice opens at 6am close at 6pm.”
“Beautiful views along the lake, squirrels everywhere, a couple of turkeys, and a few rabbits made the ride even better.”
Supper clean 4 miles long very nice path people are very nice opens at 6am close at 6pm.
Nice trail. Lots of parking, so easy access. The east side of the lake is pretty flat, so it was perfect for 2 people recovering from covid.
I do 2 rounds on paved trails thru shaded wood...very relaxing, no drama except when you go by Forest preserve table/ canopy areas when the ignorant Ninjas Are there drinking and arguing. You just keep rolling by.
About a 3.5 mile paved loop trail in the woods. Plenty of parking. A few hills by the lake and creek but otherwise it's pretty flat.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful views along the lake, squirrels everywhere, a couple of turkeys, and a few rabbits made the ride even better.”
“Lovely little paved trail for walking, biking, or jogging.”
“Parking areas have a stone roofed building at each of them.”
“4 mile loop around the lake is paved and well maintained.”
“The east side of the lake is pretty flat, so it was perfect for 2 people recovering from covid.”
“Perfect area nice and quiet I basically go there to walk my dog and gather some peace of mind!”
Plan your run at Sauk Trail Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance3.4 mi back to where you parked
- 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(800) 870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near South Chicago Heights
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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Somonauk Park
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Joe Orr Woods (Cook County Forest Preserve)
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