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Sun Lake Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 188 Google reviews · Running trail in Lake Villa, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Sun 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.
A 629-acre prairie & wetlands refuge with no lake access featuring wildlife views & hiking trails.
What runners say about Sun Lake Forest Preserve
“Nice clean scenic gravel trail that goes for I think about 2 miles if you do the whole go-around.”
“Nice clean scenic gravel trail that goes for I think about 2 miles if you do the whole go-around.”
“Can be very quiet once the summer growth is full.”
Sun Lake is a small preserve in comparison to many other LCFP sites but still very nice. Short trail for bike riding but great for walkers. Enjoyed the setting and the wildlife we saw. Very nice!
Nice clean scenic gravel trail that goes for I think about 2 miles if you do the whole go-around. Nice little watery nooks, plenty of various flora and even a clean outhouse near parking lot. Only gripe is it didn't offer a connect to the lake nearby.
It's Mother Nature offering her best local flora & fauna. What's not to like? Best stress reliever? Long walks on these trails & you can stop & catch part of a little league game, if you time it right Highly recommended
Really great place for a walk, but bring your own food and drink. If you're lucky you can catch sight of some wildlife. There is a bathroom there but that is all. No cooking facilities.
Trail conditions & character
“Nice clean scenic gravel trail that goes for I think about 2 miles if you do the whole go-around.”
“Decent crushed stone walking and biking loop of roughly 2.”
“Nice clean scenic gravel trail that goes for I think about 2 miles if you do the whole go-around.”
“Nice little watery nooks, plenty of various flora and even a clean outhouse near parking lot.”
“Can be very quiet once the summer growth is full.”
Plan your run at Sun Lake 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 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.
- Websitelcfpd.org
- Phone+1 847-367-6640
Running trails near Lake Villa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Laffredo Park
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Bluebird Meadow Forest Preserve
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Raven Glen West Forest Preserve
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Hiking area with a trail that's good for kids, plus a public restroom.
Hastings Lake Forest Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 790 reviews
Preserve with 4 mi. of trails through forest, fields & wetlands, plus picnic areas & a playground.
Pedersen Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
Park featuring a playground, a shore area for fishing, picnic tables and a grassy area.
Lake Villa Township Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 341 reviews
Park featuring a caboose for kids, plus swings and picnic tables.