Home › Illinois › West Chicago › West Branch Forest Preserve
West Branch Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 644 Google reviews · Running trail in West Chicago, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from West Branch 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.
Meadow, wetlands, forest & prairie preserve offers trails, fishing, wildlife viewing & picnic areas.
What runners say about West Branch Forest Preserve
“I saw many different kinds of birds, the trees were blooming, the sky was perfect, and the trail was nicely maintained.”
“This is a beautiful forest preserve with amazing views of a prairie and lake.”
A nice place to go fishing , multiple spots around the lake to fish. Bike paths that can lead to Bushy walking trails too🎋🌳
I have been going here for over a decade. It has a good practice area for kids kayaking. Take a picture of the map, as the area is much larger than just the main lake path. Be sure to check out Deep Quarry Lake and the DuPage River on the southwest side.
This place is so great! Nice dirt nature path trail around the lake with several little side trails along the way that lead to docks and rocks along the water. The whole loop is around 1.4 miles and some parts are narrow with roots jutting up on the ground so be careful.
Decided to stop by on my way through town and check it out. It was gorgeous there! I saw many different kinds of birds, the trees were blooming, the sky was perfect, and the trail was nicely maintained. Beautiful place!
Trail conditions & character
“This is a beautiful forest preserve with amazing views of a prairie and lake.”
“4 miles and some parts are narrow with roots jutting up on the ground so be careful.”
“There's a couple of parking lots, picnic areas, a couple of piers, and a fantastic trail that leads you through the prairie and around the lake.”
“There is a spacious parking lot, restrooms, and plenty of natural beauty to lose yourself in.”
Plan your run at West Branch Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitedupageforest.org
- Phone(630) 933-7683
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near West Chicago
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Slepicka Homestead Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 85 reviews
Relaxed park with a community garden, walking path and picnic tables.
Bierman Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 137 reviews
Public park with picnic tables and a playground, plus a walking path around a scenic lake.
Dupage River Trail (Schick Rd Entrance)
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 331 reviews
This sizable tract of wildland landscape offers nature viewing opportunities & a multi-use path.
Great Western Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 14 reviews