The forest preserves provide hikers and runners with beautiful trails throughout the county, making them convenient no matter where you live.
Hiking/running regulations
While hiking or running, please be aware of other trail users, and exercise proper judgment for the safety of everyone.
Travel at safe speeds and proceed at a slower pace when the trails are in heavy use. Slower traffic should stay to the right of the trail. Faster traffic, such as runners, should pass on the left, politely warning others of their approach from behind.
Do not block the trail. Use no more than half of the trail width when in a group, and be sure to watch and listen for other trail users.
Power-driven mobility devices are allowed on Forest Preserve trails for qualified individuals, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These devices include wheelchairs, mobility scooters and electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMDs). Specifically excluded are riding lawn mowers, golf carts and gasoline-powered devices. The District offers a special use permit (free of charge) to qualified individuals who request to use a power-driven mobility device in the preserves.
Dogs are welcome on most trails, but they must be on leashes that are no greater than 10 feet in length. Dogs should be kept to their owner's right and should remain at the owner’s immediate side. Cleaning up dog waste is required by the Forest Preserve's General Use Ordinance No. 124. Dogs are not allowed on natural surface trails in nature preserves and at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve.
Additional regulations apply. For more information, download the District's General Use Ordinance No. 124 or call 815-727-8700.
Hiking/running trail locations
The Forest Preserve's regional trails offering hiking and running opportunities include:
- Centennial Trail/Veterans Memorial Trail (Romeoville)
- I&M Canal Trail (Lockport, Joliet)
- DuPage River Trail (Naperville / Shorewood)
- Hickory Creek Bikeway (New Lenox / Mokena)
- Joliet Junction Trail (Joliet)
- Lake Renwick Bikeway (Plainfield)
- Old Plank Road Trail (Park Forest / Frankfort / Mokena / New Lenox / Joliet)
- Plum Creek Greenway Trail (Crete Township)
- Rock Run Greenway Trail (Joliet)
- Spring Creek Greenway Trail (Homer Glen/New Lenox, Joliet)
- Tall Grass Greenway Trail (Naperville)
- Wauponsee Glacial Trail (Joliet / Manhattan / Symerton / WesleyTownship / Custer Park)
Many preserves also offer trails for shorter hikes.