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The Preserve of Highland Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Running trail in Highland Park, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from The Preserve of Highland Park'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.
What runners say about The Preserve of Highland Park
“We visited the Preserve of Highland Park this past Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful nature park.”
“It's not going to change your life, but it's a nice, quiet moment in the green, and getting better, every year.”
We visited the Preserve of Highland Park this past Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful nature park. It's about 100 acres in size with 5 miles of black-topped trails winding through the many mature trees and meadows and around the ponds.
Incredible. Quiet, natural and very beautiful space. I feel extremely grateful to live in a community that has something like this. Walking trails winding through gardens and prairies. Plenty of space and picnic benches to sit and relax at. Great place to unwind or spend time with friends and family
SO much better than yet another golf course. Public green space is lacking, anymore, so I was very pleased to hear this one was going to parkland. It's not going to change your life, but it's a nice, quiet moment in the green, and getting better, every year.
A wonderful gift from HP to the public. Great place to walk with the dog
Trail conditions & character
“I gave it five stars because the dog really likes to go for walks there.”
“A few paved trails that take you around a pond and along the Skokie River.”
“It's not going to change your life, but it's a nice, quiet moment in the green, and getting better, every year.”
“Lots of stops for kids or ADA accessible.”
Plan your run at The Preserve of Highland Park
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.
- 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.
- Websitethepreserveofhp.org
- Phone(847) 831-3810
Running trails near Highland Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Buckthorn Park
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Briarwood Nature Area
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Maplewood Park
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