Get Outside & Hit the Trails

Beautiful trails in the Aurora, Illinois area

Need an outdoor adventure? Now is the perfect time to get outside and explore! So if you are looking for a workout or just a scenic view, the Aurora, Illinois area has a trail that is sure to suit your needs. Bicyclists, walkers, runners, horseback riders and bird watchers are all welcome! So get outside and hit the trails! After spending a long day outside, come rest and stay the night at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora - Naperville, Illinois, located in the heart of Downtown Aurora. This is the ideal place to stay for those visiting one of Illinois' beautiful trails.

Here is a list of trails in the Aurora, Illinois area with links to more information on each one:

Aurora, Illinois Trails

• Aurora West Forest Preserve
  A multi-purpose trail, constructed with grant funding as an extension of the Mid-County Regional Trail, traverses the preserve and connects to the Virgil Gilman regional bike trail, originating in Aurora.
   
• Blackberry Trail
  Restored to native prairie, this preserve stretches along the Blackberry Creek. Hawks and many other birds are commonly spotted as you walk 2 miles on this multi-use trail alongside a scenic stream.
   
• Fox River Trail
  Discover 36 miles of outdoor adventure in Northern Illinois! Used for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and jogging, the Fox River Trail, changing surfaces from concrete to asphalt to crushed stone, stretches from Algonquin to Aurora. Travel through nature preserves and quaint towns along Illinois scenic Fox River.
   
• Great Western Trail
  This trail is 14 miles of an abandoned railway from St. Charles to the DeKalb County Line. Made of limestone, it is a smooth surface for runners and bicyclists. The trail also includes a natural surface, mowed grass path for horseback riding.
   
• Illinois Prairie Path
  North America's first successful rails-to-trails conversion, the Illinois Prairie Path is a multi-use nature trail for non-motorized public use. It spans approximately 61 miles in Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties in northeasten Illinois.
   
• Lake Paterson Trail
  Lake Patterson Trail is a 1.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Aurora, Illinois that features beautiful wild flowers. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
   
• Oakhurst Forest Preserve
  This forest preserve has a 55-acre lake/marsh complex that provides excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking and wildlife observation.
   
• Virgil L. Gilman Trail
  This nature trail begins at Rt. 30 near Montgomery Road and stretches west, a distance of approximately 11.2 miles to Waubonsee Community College. It serves as a scenic route for hosting 5K runs, walk-a-thons, bike races and more.
   
• Waubonsie Lake Park
  Waubonsie Lake Park is an outdoor gem. A winding paved trail encircles a beautiful lake.

Batavia, Illinois Trails

• Fox River Trail
  Discover 36 miles of outdoor adventure in Northern Illinois! Used for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and jogging, the Fox River Trail, changing surfaces from concrete to asphalt to crushed stone, stretches from Algonquin to Aurora. Travel through nature preserves and quaint towns along Illinois scenic Fox River.
   
• Les Arends Forest Preserve
  This small preserve in Batavia protects over 3,600 feet of Fox River shoreline. The paved Fox River Regional Bike trail runs the length of the preserve, and several floodplain islands provide excellent habitat for fishing.
   
• Margaret Pearson Interpretive Trail
  Fermilab’s 6,800-acre site is open to the public every day of the year. It has more than 2,500 acres of prairies, woodlands, lakes and wetlands and miles of trails that can be enjoyed in all seasons.

Geneva, Illinois Trails

• Fabyan Forest Preserve 
  Fabyan Forest Preserve is a heavily used preserve, owing to its location on the Fox River and its numerous natural and historic features. Thousands of visitors spend hours fishing along its river shores and thousands more jog and bike along the trails and across the river bridge.
   
• Island Park
  This park features captivating views of the Fox River, a tree house playground, and pavilion that is perfect for your next picnic, family party, or business meeting.
   
• Mill Creek Forest Preserve
  The land holdings comprising this Forest Preserve complex are split between Mill Creek Forest Preserve and Mill Creek Greenway. To the south of Fabyan on Wenmoth Road sits Mill Creek Forest Preserve, an old farm field reseeded with prairie plants. This site is starting to host the biological diversity of a fine habitat.
   
• Peck Farm Park
  Peck Farm Park is a unique park found in an urban environment that offers residents and visitors a place to slow down and enjoy quality time surrounded by nature.

Montgomery, Illinois Trails

• Blackberry Trail Park
  The area is dominated by native prairie and wetland, and is a great place for bird spotting.
   
• Fox River Trail
  Discover 36 miles of outdoor adventure in Northern Illinois! Used for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and jogging, the Fox River Trail, changing surfaces from concrete to asphalt to crushed stone, stretches from Algonquin to Aurora. Travel through nature preserves and quaint towns along Illinois scenic Fox River.
   
• Montgomery Park
  The Village of Montgomery is served by two Park Districts. The Park Districts maintain all park areas and offer various classes and recreational activities for residents.
   
• Saw Wee Kee Park
  Since acquiring Saw Wee Kee from the State of Illinois in 1963, the Oswegoland Park District has worked with Mother Nature to turn a former strip-mined gravel pit into one of the community’s most beautiful natural areas.
   
• Virgil L. Gilman Trail
  This nature trail begins at Rt. 30 near Montgomery Road and stretches west, a distance of approximately 11.2 miles to Waubonsee Community College. It serves as a scenic route for hosting 5K runs, walk-a-thons, bike races and more.

Naperville, Illinois Trails

• DuPage River Park
  DuPage River Park is just east of DuPage River Sports Complex. The two parks are connected by a multi-use trail that continues all the way through DuPage River Park to Whalon Lake Preserve, which is a Will County Forest Preserve with a beautiful lake.
   
• Greene Valley Forest Preserve
  DuPage River Park is just east of DuPage River Sports Complex. The two parks are connected by a multi-use trail that continues all the way through DuPage River Park to Whalon Lake Preserve, which is a Will County Forest Preserve with a beautiful lake.
   
• Herrick Lake Forest Preserve
  Herrick Lake is home to an impressive variety of wildlife. Ecologists have recorded more than 254 types of year-round and migrating wildlife among the preserve’s 470 different types of plants.
   
• Knoch Knolls Nature Center
  Its covered bridges, fountains, landscaping, and distinctive shepherd's-crook light poles have become symbolic of Naperville's ties to its historic past as the oldest settlement in DuPage County. Visitors travel from far and near to enjoy the splendor of the Riverwalk and the quaint restaurants and shops in downtown Naperville.
   
• McDowell Grove Nature Preserve
  The West Branch DuPage River flows through the 465-acre McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville, providing fishing opportunities and attracting waterfowl and shorebirds like egrets and great blue herons.
   
• Riverwalk Park
  Its covered bridges, fountains, landscaping, and distinctive shepherd's-crook light poles have become symbolic of Naperville's ties to its historic past as the oldest settlement in DuPage County. Visitors travel from far and near to enjoy the splendor of the Riverwalk and the quaint restaurants and shops in downtown Naperville.
   
• Riverview Farmstead Preserve
  Riverview Farmstead Preserve protects prairie habitat and a portion of the DuPage River. Wildlife found at the preserve includes the big brown bat, osprey, Bell's vireo and dickcissels. The preserve is also home to more than 500 plant species. The site is managed with habitat restoration to protect and enhance its natural resources.
   
• Springbrook Prairie Forest Perserve
  The 1,829-acre Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville is a birder's paradise in addition to offering trails, picnicking areas, an off-leash dog area, model craft field and state-designated nature preserve and land and water reserve. It offers some of the best displays of summertime blooms.
   
• Tall Grass Greenway
  The Tall Grass Greenway Trail travels 4.04 miles from Vermont Cemetery Preserve east to Naperville-Plainfield Road in Naperville.
   
• Weigand Riverfront Park
  Scenic riverside park adjacent to downtown Naperville, right on the DuPage River, with great biking, walking, and running trails.
   
• Whalon Lake
  The 249-acre Whalon Lake was acquired between 1992 and 2007. The preserve is part of the DuPage River preservation system, which conserves more than 1,500 acres. Prior to the District's acquisition of the land, the portion of the preserve that is now a lake was created and used as a quarry.

North Aurora, Illinois Trails

• Lake Run Forest Preserve
  Lake Run Forest Preserve is an artificial waterway that was created between 1911 and 1913 in an effort to protect the Lake Run Corridor. Drain tiles were also installed to maximize the tillable farmland. This forest preserve was acquired in an effort to eventually connect Dick Young Forest Preserve and Aurora West Forest Preserve.
   
• North Aurora Island Park
  Enjoy a free live, evening concert while relaxing by North Aurora's beautiful Riverfront Park.
   
• North Aurora Riverfront Park
  Enjoy a free live, evening concert while relaxing by North Aurora's beautiful Riverfront Park.
   
• Red Oak Nature Center
  Fox Valley Park District offers you many ways to have fun, learn more and be active and creative, as well as enjoy new experiences. At Red Oak, we also connect you with the joys, lessons and wonders of nature.

Oswego, Illinois Trails

• Farmington Lake Park
  71.0 acres of prairie/ wetland nature area, fishing areas at the pond, and paths.
   
• Fox River Trail
  The Fox River Trail (FRT) was built on stretches of three former railroads: Chicago, Aurora & Elgin;  Aurora, Elgin, & Fox River Electric; and Chicago & North Western.
   
• Hudson Crossing Park
  Hudson Crossing Park is full of family friendly activities to do. 
   
• Northampton Greenway
  Northampton Greenway has trail connection to the Waubonsie Trail and sports practicing acres.
   
• Richard Young Forest Preserve
  Richard Young Forest Preserve is a 1.3 mile loop trail located near Yorkville, Illinois that features a great forest setting. The trail is rated as moderate and offers several activity options.
   
• Saw Wee Kee Park
  Since acquiring Saw Wee Kee from the State of Illinois in 1963, the Oswegoland Park District has worked with Mother Nature to turn a former strip-mined gravel pit into one of the community’s most beautiful natural areas.
   
• Tuscany Trail Park
  Tuscany Trail Park, a large neighborhood park, was donated by Blackberry Knoll subdivision as part of their land cash donation in 2008.
   
• Violet Patch Park
  Violet Patch Park a few trail/trail connections, fishing areas, canoe/ kayak access, grills, spots to eat, and beautiful views to enjoy.
   
• Waubonsie Wetland
  The Waubonsie Wetland is a peaceful little setting with a few trails and is a branch off the Waubonsie Creek.

St. Charles, Illinois Trails

• Delnor Woods Park 
  A native oak-hickory woodland with century-old trees plus native plantings, interpretative signage, fishing opportunities, picnic pavilions, paved pathways and a dam with a small waterfall.
   
• Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve
  Premiere wetland with a sedge meadow, boardwalk, fen with rare plants, walking trails, floodplain forest and prairie restoration.
   
• Fox River Bluff East Forest Preserve
  The wooded portion of the preserve, located south of Red Gate Road, is known as Norton Woods. This 31-acre portion was a donation to the Forest Preserve District in memory of Carol Ann Buck.
   
• Fox River Bluff West Forest Preserve
  Among the first things you'll notice at this popular preserve are dogs. This preserve is one of the District's approved off-leash dog areas. Owners are welcome to walk (or run!) up to three dogs at one time here.
   
• Great Western Trail-St. Charles Trail Head
  The western segment of the Great Western Trail in Illinois follows 17 miles of a former railway corridor through DeKalb and Kane counties, between LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve and the town of Sycamore.
   
• LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
  LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is a regular destination for both passive and active recreation. In addition to amazing natural features, there are various built amenities on site, leading LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve to be one of the District’s most popular preserves.
   
• St. Charles River Trail
  With miles and miles of trails throughout St. Charles connecting to adjacent communities, there is ample opportunity to explore the Fox Valley area.
   
• Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
  A network of foot trails winds through the fields and forested ravines of the preserve. In spring, the forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers and the trees are filled with birds. In summer, the wooded trails provide cool shade and enjoyable wildlife viewing.
   
• Timber Trails Park
  Regional trail access to the Fox River Trail and the Great Western Trail.
   
• Pottawatomie Park
  Regional Trail Access to the Fox River Trail.  Along the east edge of the beautiful Fox River within walking distance of downtown.

Sugar Grove, Illinois Trails

• Bliss Wood Forest Preserve
  Bliss Woods Forest Preserve has long been a favorite preserve in the south part of Kane County. At this special preserve, visitors can see a unique and increasingly rare geologic feature, the last remnant of the Kaneville Esker.
   
• Hannaford Woods Forest Preserve
  This small preserve in Batavia protects over 3,600 feet of Fox River shoreline. The paved Fox River Regional Bike trail runs the length of the preserve, and several floodplain islands provide excellent habitat for fishing.

Yorkville, Illinois Trails

• Hoover Forest Preserve
  At just under 400 acres, located west of Yorkville and stretching for nearly a mile along the Fox River the 5.5 mile upgraded trail system leads visitors through a variety of habitats and scenic overlooks.
   
• Richard Young Forest Preserve
  Richard Young Forest Preserve is a 1.3 mile loop trail located near Yorkville, Illinois that features a great forest setting. The trail is rated as moderate and offers a number of activity options.
   
• Rotary Park
  This park is located in the Grande Reserve Subdivision. It includes a 90 foot cable ride, a climbing wall, a skate area complete with 2 skate boxes, and a concrete start ramp. There is also a walking path and a bike rack.

Start planning your trip to the Naperville and Aurora area...book your perfect hotel stay today with Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora - Naperville, Illinois!