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Spring Lake Forest Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 217 Google reviews · Running trail in Barrington, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Spring Lake 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.
Huge park features grasslands, wetlands, savannas & woodlands with rugged trails & picnic areas.
What runners say about Spring Lake Forest Preserve
“If you ride a bike at preserves, prefer well maintained gravel or paved trails, or like the company that a more well traveled preserve provides, Spring Lake may not suit you.”
“Real beautiful forest preserve.”
Spring Lake Forest Preserve is one of the most unique forest preserves in the Chicago area. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, hikers, or horseback riders, Spring Lake is truly special for its enormous network of unpaved dirt and grass trails. Through this amazing network, you'll never look at the same thing twice.
This place is definitely a hidden gem that's right in my backyard. I usually come to the penny road pond parking lot to access the trails that are here. So far my favorite birding spot i have found in the barrington area. Lots of unique birds to be found here.
Mainly horse riding paths, only parking that's connected is at the Barrington Hills Riding Center. Don't expect clear pathways, mainly large wide grassy paths meant for horses.
Love this forest preserve so much. Dynamic landscapes from prairie to woods to water, good for all seasons. This place is what we imagine dog heaven look like, we like to think of our boy Ryan running free and happy in the prairie. I miss you so much Ry Ry
Trail conditions & character
“This place is what we imagine dog heaven look like, we like to think of our boy Ryan running free and happy in the prairie.”
“Mainly horse riding paths, only parking that's connected is at the Barrington Hills Riding Center.”
“If you ride a bike at preserves, prefer well maintained gravel or paved trails, or like the company that a more well traveled preserve provides, Spring Lake may not suit you.”
“If you ride a bike at preserves, prefer well maintained gravel or paved trails, or like the company that a more well traveled preserve provides, Spring Lake may not suit you.”
Plan your run at Spring Lake Forest Preserve
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.
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone+1 800-870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–8:30 pm |
Running trails near Barrington
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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