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Chicagoland Runners Tell Us Their Favorite "Trail" Running Spots

The leaves are changing color and the temperature is dropping, making ideal conditions for Chicagoland running so why not try something new?

Hitting the trails during the fall season is the time to leverage the fitness you've built on the roads. Getting into the woods can help revive a routine that feels stale, build all-around fitness, and help you get some quality time in a natural setting that you wouldn't otherwise get. 

Being on the trails can offer relief and relaxation beyond what you could get on the Lakefront Path and roads. There's even evidence that it can be more relaxing to run in the woods than it is to run on the roads.In a study published in the June 2014 issue of Journal of Environmental Psychology, people who spent time in a wooded, natural environment felt more restored, had better moods, and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) compared to those who spent time in built environment. 

Sounds good right? Now, let's dive into some trails around the Chicagoland area where you can experience the trail running therapy. We asked our Twitter followers where some of their favorite sports were. Here are the results:

Glyman Woods

This guy provided a plethora of knowledge and suggestions. His favorite? The Glyman Woods area. Glyman Woods is the semi-hidden area between Knock Knolls Park and the Dupage River Sports Complex located in the Naperville suburb.

It's a little bit of a drive but it's worth it, says Jason. The course is mildly technically which means you'll get your fair share of roots, rocks, and switchbacks giving you a little bit of a challenge. Another benefit to this area is that easy to add miles if you're interested in upping your mileage. We recommend getting on some non-technical paths before you venture here. You can check out a trail map here. 

Palos Heights/Hills

Lee raves about the Palos area for his trail running needs due to it's distance and unique elevation changes throughout the hills. It even offers some technical terrain along the mountain bike trails. 

Bullfrog Lake/Pulaski Woods

Kristin, a Fleet Feet Sports Elmhurst employee, recommends Bullfrog Lake.

Bullfrog Lake is a part of the Pulaski Woods in Willow Springs, IL and offers a scenic lake as your gratification. The trails are well groomed and even have some hills to test your strength. But don't get lost, Pulaski Woods offers many one-off trails and forks in the road. Take a look at this map before you head out.

Veterans Acre Park

This one is a bit farther than the rest so might want to plan a day around this one, but it's worth it. Veterans Acre Park is a go-to destination for trail running. "Ultra Runners converged on Veteran Acres and Sterne's Woods on January 11 for the McHenry (County) Ultra Running Dudes and Dudettes (MUDD) Frozen Gnome. In The Frozen Gnome's race, runners chose either the 50K ultra run or a 10K through the snow and terrain of the park.", said the Crystal Lake Park District.

Veterans Acre Park also offers a nature center, sports fields for the kids, a playground and a spacious preserve and prairie.

Old Plank Road Trail

This recommendation is from Remy, co-host of the Mason, Remy, and Alabama Show on Big95.5FM and hosts afternoons on 93.7 The Bull, so you know it's a good one. Old Plank Road Trail is unique due to its long distance of 22 miles and its paved rail-trail. From 1855 until 1975 the Michigan Central Railroad ran freight and passenger trains along this route. Before that it was a plank road and part of the Great Sauk trail that ran from Rock Island to Detroit, so get ready to see some history as well. 

Take a look at the trail map here. 

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