DuPage River Trail
Location
The DuPage River Trail consists of three segments totaling 8.64 miles. Access points are located at Hammel Woods in Shorewood, Whalon Lake in Naperville and Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville.
Hours
8 a.m.-sunset
Phone
815-727-8700
A partnership between the Forest Preserve District and 12 other agencies, the DuPage River Trail is a work in progress.
The Forest Preserve District has developed three paved segments of the trail, totaling 8.94 miles.
The southern segment may be accessed from the following locations:
- Hammel Woods – Crumby Recreation Area (Black Road, Shorewood)
- Hammel Woods – DuPage River Access (Black Road, Shorewood)
- Hammel Woods – Route 59 Access (Route 59, Shorewood)
A northern segment may be accessed from Whalon Lake (Royce Road, Naperville) or Hidden Oaks Preserve (Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook).
Another northern segment may be accessed from Riverview Farmstead Preserve (Book Road, Naperville).
Trail experience and activities
The segment of the DuPage River Trail at Hammel Woods is a hilly, paved linear trail that travels 4.4 miles through woodland.
Whalon Lake’s segment (that can also be accessed from Hidden Oaks Preserve), is a flat, paved loop and linear trail that travels 3.71 miles through wetland and around Whalon Lake.
The portion of the trail at Riverview Farmstead Preserve is a flat, paved linear trail that travels 0.83 mile through open areas and a historic farmstead.
All of these trail sections are ideal for the following activities:
- Biking
- Hiking/running
- In-line skating
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
When completed, the DuPage River Trail is planned to travel 40 miles from Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Channahon north into DuPage County.
Trail connections
DuPage River Trail: The DuPage River Trail segment at Whalon Lake connects to segments of the trail owned by the Bolingbrook Park District, Village of Bolingbrook, City of Naperville, and the Naperville Park District.
Rock Run Greenway Trail: A paved path along Black Road in Joliet and Shorewood connects the segment of the DuPage River Trail at Hammel Woods to the 11.29-mile, paved linear Rock Run Greenway Trail.
Trail history
DuPage River Trail was acquired between 1930 and 2022.
Frequently asked questions
Electric-assist bicycles are allowed within the preserves as long as they meet certain requirements. The bikes must:
- Be low speed (an electric motor of less than 750 watts).
- Have a maximum speed of less than 20 miles per hour.
- Have functional pedals.
- Have a rider who is 16 years of age or older.
Per the District's General Use Ordinance, persons riding a bicycle must conform to federal and state bicycle laws.
Call 911 in an emergency. Non-emergency safety concerns should be directed to the Laraway Communications Center dispatch at 815-727-6191 (option 9) to have a Forest Preserve District officer dispatched. Non-emergency and past concerns can also be reported to the District's police department by calling 815-727-8700 or through the online form.