Looking for the best hiking spots near Chicago? DuPage County is home to scenic forest preserves, peaceful nature trails, and award-winning gardens that make it easy to get outside in any season. From wooded paths and riverside routes to paved walking trails perfect for a casual stroll, these are our Top 10 Trails to explore in DuPage County. 

1. The Morton Arboretum

Open 365 days a year, this stunning outdoor destination features 1,700 acres of trees, gardens, and natural landscapes to explore. With nine miles of scenic roads and 16 miles of trails, The Morton Arboretum offers a variety of hiking experiences for beginners and experienced hikers alike. 

Visitors can wander through woodlands, prairies, and award-winning gardens while discovering plant collections from around the world. Don’t miss Vivid Creatures, a colorful art exhibit featuring 5 larger-than-life animals while highlighting species important to the Illinois ecosystem. 

Amenities:  
  - Visitor facilities including indoor bathroom and on-site dining 
  - Dog-friendly on select days  
  - Mix of paved and natural hiking paths
  - Award-winning gardens and global tree collection

Vivid_Creatures_Cadence_Sandhill_Crane_1_Credit__The_Morton_Arboretum_hmvhu4

2. Winfield Riverwalk

The Winfield Riverwalk offers a scenic connection from Downtown Winfield to the DuPage River, as well as nearby Winfield Mounds and West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve. Visitors can enjoy river views and natural landscapes, making it a great spot for a relaxing walk outdoors in DuPage County. 

Amenities 
  - Accessible paved pathways 
  - Connects directly to Downtown Winfield  
  - Family-friendly fitness station and yard games  
  - Rest areas like benches along the route 
  - Easy access to nearby forest preserve trials  
 

3. Illinois Prairie Path

Did you know that DuPage County is home to the first successful rail-to-trail conversion in the United States? With nearly 40 miles in DuPage, the Illinois Prairie Path stretches more than 60 miles, connecting communities, quaint downtowns, forest preserves, and scenic walking/biking routes. 

Amenities: 
  - Ideal for walking, hiking, running, and biking 
  - Links to forest preserves, parks, and trails 
  - Dog-friendly 
  - A mix of crushed limestone and paved trails 

 

4. Blackwell Forest Preserve

One of DuPage County’s most popular forest preserves, Blackwell repeatedly has been voted among the best in Chicago’s western suburbs. Spanning more than 1,300 acres of gently rolling terrain, the preserve offers scenic trails that connect to the DuPage River and the Illinois Prairie Path, making it a great option for hiking in DuPage County. 

Amenities: 
  - Ample paved parking 
  - Fishing opportunities and boat rentals
  - Dog-friendly with off-leash dog area
  - Picnic areas and shelters  
  - Beginner to intermediate-friendly terrain  

Steamy fog over a lake with a pier and a green tree in the corner

5. St. James Farm Forest Preserve

Once a retreat for the famed McCormick family, St. James Farm is now home to some of the most scenic trails in DuPage County. Spanning nearly 600 acres, the forest preserve features a versatile trail system that connects to the Illinois Prairie Path and attracts bikers, cross-country skiers, horseback riders, and hikers alike. Along the way, visitors can discover preserved farm structures that share the rich history of the property. 

Amenities: 
 - Accessible trails and facilities  
 - Connects to the Illinois Prairie Path 
 - Historic farm buildings and estate grounds 
 - Dog-friendly


6. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve

Scenic lake views and peaceful natural surroundings make this preserve a favorite for outdoor recreation in DuPage County. The seven-mile trail system at Herrick Lake connects to Danada Forest Preserve as part of the Danada–Herrick Regional Trail and links to several nearby forest preserves. Visitors can also enjoy activity rentals on the lake, making it easy to turn a hike into a full day outdoors. 

Amenities:  
 - Connects to Danada Forest Preserve and other trails 
 - Canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals 
 - Fishing opportunities 
 - Dog-friendly  

7. Kline Creek Farm

Nestled within Timber Ridge Forest Preserve, this unique destination pairs scenic trails with living history. The preserve’s two miles of trails lead to Kline Creek Farm, a living museum that brings 19th-century farming to life. Visitors can see farm animals, historic buildings, and demonstrations of traditional farming activities, offering an interesting change of scenery along a peaceful walk through nature. 

Amenities:  
  - Easy-walking trail 
  - Access to living history museum 
  - Farm animal viewing 
  - Historic and educational  

8. Waterfall Glen

Known for the scenic Rocky Glen Waterfall and the Sawmill Creek bluff overlook, Waterfall Glen features 11 miles of trails winding through gently rolling to hilly terrain. Consistently ranked among the best places for hiking near Chicago, the preserve is also home to more than 300 species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles, making it a great destination for both hiking and wildlife spotting. 

Amenities: 
  - Popular wildlife viewing destination 
  - Dog-friendly 
  - Trail running and mountain biking opportunities 
  - Picnic areas and restrooms 


9. Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve

Covering more than 3,000 acres, Pratt’s Wayne Woods is the largest forest preserve in DuPage County and connects to James “Pate” Philip State Park. More than 1,000 plant species create an ever-changing landscape as visitors hike, ski, bike, or ride horseback along more than 12 miles of trails. The preserve’s trail system also connects to the Illinois Prairie Path, making it a great option for extended outdoor adventures. 

Amenities: 
  - Connects to the Illinois Prairie Path and other forest preserves
  - Ideal for outdoor activities 
  - Diverse habitats including wetlands and prairie  
  - Dog-friendly  
  - Model-plane and drone flying area

Woman in pink shirt sitting on rocks next to blue lake with green trees in background

10. Greene Valley Forest Preserve

Spanning more than 1,300 acres, Greene Valley offers wide open landscapes and miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can climb the preserve’s scenic overlook mound, one of the highest points in DuPage County, for sweeping views of the surrounding prairies and woodlands. With peaceful trails and expansive natural areas, Greene Valley is a great place to explore the outdoors in DuPage County.  

Amenities: 
  - Scenic overlook of the county 
  - Dog-friendly with off-leash dog area 
  - Youth-group camping 
  - Picnic areas 

If you are taking your furry friend(s) to a local forest preserve, please check the preserve website for dog-walking and off-leash dog area rules. Make sure you also share your adventures with us by tagging @discoverdupage on Instagram and using the hashtag #dogsofdupage and #discoverdupage. 

If you are fishing at a local forest preserve, a fishing permit is required for those who are older than 16. As some lakes have special regulations, please check the preserves website for regulations regarding fishing.