Home › Illinois › Glencoe › Skokie Lagoons
Skokie Lagoons
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,088 Google reviews · Running trail in Glencoe, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Skokie Lagoons' 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.
Forest preserve consisting of pools, channels & islands, with fishing, kayaking & hiking.
What runners say about Skokie Lagoons
“I walked the northern loop (about 4 miles total to do that loop) and it's a well-maintained, paved trail.”
“It was absolutely beautiful the views of the lagoons are absolutely breathtaking.”
“The lagoons feel expansive and calm, with water, trees, and trails that make it easy to forget you are anywhere near Chicago.”
I parked along Forestway Dr. near Lagoon No. 5. It's not the greatest parking as it's gravel and you kind of have to back into the road to get out, but it's virtually empty in the morning. I walked the northern loop (about 4 miles total to do that loop) and it's a well-maintained, paved trail.
Soooo gorgeous!!! If you love the woods, the lake, the great outdoors and open spaces, this is the place for you. I recently discovered this place and it's a nature haven. Serene, scenic and just a pleasure to visit. Also it's HUGE so it's easy to get in a great workout whole enjoying the views.
Beautiful forest preserve. The lagoons are usually brimming with birds in spring. It's a quiet and relaxing place to walk and reflect.
These botanical gardens are the most beautiful that I have seen. A MUST SEE whether you are visiting or live in Chicago! My personal favorite is the Japanese gardens. Summer and spring are the best times to see all the greenery and beautiful vegetation in full bloom.
Trail conditions & character
“I really enjoyed the east side of the preserve as there are lots of good, wide views of the lagoons.”
“I walked the northern loop (about 4 miles total to do that loop) and it's a well-maintained, paved trail.”
“I walked the northern loop (about 4 miles total to do that loop) and it's a well-maintained, paved trail.”
“It's not the greatest parking as it's gravel and you kind of have to back into the road to get out, but it's virtually empty in the morning.”
“Inner trails are a great place to take a hike with your dog.”
“It's a quiet and relaxing place to walk and reflect.”
Plan your run at Skokie Lagoons
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefpdcc.com
Running trails near Glencoe
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Tower Road
4.7 ★★★★★ 28 reviews
Sunset Ridge Woods
4.4 ★★★★☆ 27 reviews
Unspoilt forest preserve on the river with a hiking trail & resident deer.
Erickson Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 156 reviews
894-acre nature preserve with boat access & fishing, plus picnic areas, birds & dog-friendly trails.
