The best walks and hikes around Arlington Heights
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Hikes around Arlington Heights IL are primarily located within large, nearby forest preserves. The landscape is characterized by flatwoods, upland forests, and restored prairies surrounding lakes and reservoirs. This network of trails provides accessible outdoor activities for various skill levels.
Best hiking trails around Arlington Heights
- The most popular hiking route is Red Paved loop — Busse Forest Nature Preserve, a 7.4 mile (12.0 km) trail that takes about 3 hours to complete. This paved path circles through the preserve, offering a long, continuous walk.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Buffalo Creek Reservoir loop from Buffalo Grove, an easy 3.2 mile (5.2 km) path. The trail follows a gravel path around the reservoir and through open prairie landscapes.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Lake Arlington loop from Wheeling Township, a 2.7 mile (4.3 km) trail leading through a local park, often completed in about 1 hour.
- Hiking around Arlington Heights is defined by paved and gravel trails through forest preserves, restored prairies, and around lakes. The trail system offers options suitable for different ability levels, from short park walks to longer preserve loops.
- The routes in Arlington Heights are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 400 hikers have used komoot to explore Arlington Heights's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
8.67km
02:12
30m
10m
Hike the 5.4-mile Palatine Bike Trail, a moderate paved path through suburban areas, woods, and past a golf course in Palatine, Illinois.
29.9km
07:42
130m
140m
The Buffalo Creek Trail offers a long, immersive hike through the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, perfect for those who love extended walks. You'll follow the gentle path for 18.6 miles (29.9 km), enjoying the natural surroundings and passing by the Buffalo Creek Reservoir. Despite its "difficult" rating, the 430 feet (131 metres) of elevation gain are spread out, making it more of an endurance challenge than a steep climb, typically taking about 7 hours and 41 minutes.
When planning your visit, remember that this is a long route, so pack plenty of water and snacks. Starting early in the day is a good idea to ensure you have enough daylight to complete the entire trail comfortably. While the trail is generally accessible, checking for any recent weather impacts, like muddy sections, is always a smart move before heading out.
This trail is a great option if you're seeking a lengthy escape into nature without the intense vertical effort often associated with difficult hikes. It's an excellent way to experience the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve, offering a continuous journey through its quiet woods and past the serene Buffalo Creek Reservoir, providing a sense of accomplishment for covering a significant distance.
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5.0
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12.0km
03:02
30m
30m
The Busse Woods Red Loop Trail is a 7.4-mile paved hike in Ned Brown Forest Preserve, offering lake views and a chance to spot elk.
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3.16km
00:48
10m
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The Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve Trail offers a refreshing escape into nature, winding through beautifully restored prairie and serene wetlands. You'll enjoy open vistas and tree-lined sections, with the Buffalo Creek Reservoir often in view, making for a pleasant and varied experience. The crushed-gravel paths are wide and generally flat, providing an easy 2.0-mile (3.2 km) hike with only 34 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 48 minutes.
This easy route is highly accessible and suitable for most, including families and those new to hiking. The multi-use trails are well-maintained, accommodating hikers, bikers, and even cross-country skiers in season. It's a great option for a quick outdoor activity, offering a peaceful natural setting despite its suburban location.
The preserve is a testament to successful ecological restoration, transforming former invasive species areas into thriving habitats for wildlife. It's a prime spot for birdwatching, with opportunities to see waterfowl and various prairie birds. The large reservoir also plays a vital role in flood control, adding to the area's natural beauty and ecological significance.
5.78km
01:28
10m
10m
If you're looking for a straightforward and scenic outdoor escape, the Red Paved Loop delivers a pleasant experience. This easy 3.6-mile (5.8 km) hike, with only 46 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a mix of forests, prairies, and wetlands. You'll enjoy views of the Lake in Busse Forest Nature Preserve and might even spot some local wildlife, making it a great option for a quick 1 hour and 28 minute outing.
Planning your visit is simple, as the Red Paved Loop is designed for multi-use and is accessible year-round. Its paved surface means it's suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, and leashed dogs are welcome. While specific parking details vary by location within the larger Red Paved Loop trail system, these trails are generally well-serviced, so you can usually find a spot to start your adventure.
These Red Paved Loop trails are a hallmark of Cook County, Illinois, providing a consistent and reliable outdoor experience. They are known for their accessibility and diverse ecosystems, offering a chance to see everything from ancient trees to heron rookeries. Many loops connect to larger networks, giving you the option to extend your hike if you're feeling more ambitious.
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Tips from the Community
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve opens up to 408 acres with 5.5 miles of gravel trails open to walking, biking, and cross-country skiing along restored prairies, wetlands, and alongside the Buffalo Creek Reservoir.
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This lake is a key feature of the Salt Creek Water Trails, offering opportunities to explore the area by rowboat, canoe, or kayak, all of which can be rented nearby. Even if you choose to stay on land, the views from here are awesome.
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This enormous, 3,700-acre swath of forestland sits on the edge of Chicago's suburbs. It contains more than a dozen miles of trails, extensive waterways, an elk pasture, and some truly ancient trees.
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Nice bridge over Salt Creek on the Busse Forest Red Paved Trail. At this point, Salt Creek is fairly wide and passes through wetlands.
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The Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve offers a mix of paved and dirt trails. There's nothing too challenging here so bring the hardtail and a friend who is looking to get started mountain biking.
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Take a breather at Buffalo Creek Reservoir during your ride. Originally built for flood control, this spot captivates cyclists with its wetland allure. Explore the winding trails encircling the 34-acre lake, offering glimpses of native flora and fauna thriving in this aquatic environment.
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A small rocky dam separates the North Pool and the Main Pool of Busse Lake from each other. The paved (and striped) Busse Woods Bicycle Trail (BWBT) passes directly between the two reservoirs and offers great views out onto the water.
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Though created for flood control, Buffalo Creek Reservoir enchants hikers with wetland beauty. Meandering trails surround the 34-acre lake, inviting observation of native plants, birds, and other wildlife drawn to the watery habitat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails near Arlington Heights?
Yes, most of the major forest preserves in the area allow dogs, but they must be leashed. The trails at Busse Woods and Deer Grove Forest Preserve are popular choices for walking with dogs. Always check the specific regulations for the preserve you plan to visit before you go.
What are some good, easy hikes for families?
For a simple and scenic family walk, the Lake Arlington loop from Wheeling Township is an excellent choice. It's a paved 2.7-mile (4.3 km) path around the lake, perfect for strollers and young children. Another great option is the Red Trail — Busse Forest Nature Preserve, which offers a manageable 3.6-mile (5.8 km) paved route through the woods.
Where can I find paved hiking trails?
Many trails in the area are paved, making them ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. The extensive trail system at Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) is almost entirely paved, including the popular Red Paved loop. Lake Arlington also features a paved path around its perimeter.
Are there any challenging hikes in the Arlington Heights area?
The region is mostly flat, so you won't find strenuous mountain climbs. However, for a more challenging experience, head to the west side of Deer Grove Forest Preserve. It features unpaved footpaths with more rugged and rolling terrain through ravines and dense forest, offering a greater sense of wilderness compared to other local trails.
What's the best place to see wildlife?
For a unique wildlife experience, visit the Busse Forest Elk Pasture, where you can see a herd of resident elk in a large enclosure. For birdwatching, Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is a fantastic spot, with its restored prairies and wetlands attracting herons, bluebirds, and even bald eagles.
How many hiking trails are available around Arlington Heights?
There are nearly 50 curated hiking routes to explore around Arlington Heights. These range from short, easy loops within local parks to longer, more involved treks through the expansive forest preserves.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The trails around Arlington Heights are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paved paths in Busse Woods and the beautiful prairie landscapes at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve.
Where can I find a good circular walk?
The area is perfect for loop hikes. For a shorter, scenic loop, consider the Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve loop. This nearly 2-mile (3.2 km) gravel trail takes you around a reservoir and through open prairie, making for a peaceful walk.
What are the trail conditions like at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve?
The trails at Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve are primarily unpaved gravel paths. They wind through open prairies and cross several boardwalks over wetlands. The main loop around the reservoir is generally flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for most skill levels.
Where can I find a shady trail for a hot day?
For a hike with good tree cover, the trails within Deer Grove Forest Preserve and Busse Woods are your best options. These preserves feature large sections of dense, mature woodlands that provide ample shade, especially on the unpaved paths in Deer Grove's western section.
Is there parking available at the main trailheads?
Yes, all the major forest preserves like Busse Woods, Deer Grove, and Buffalo Creek have dedicated parking lots near their main trail access points. Local parks such as Lake Arlington also provide ample parking for visitors.
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