The best running trails around Vernon Hills
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Jogging around Vernon Hills offers a variety of routes primarily characterized by its extensive network of river trails and forest preserves. The terrain is generally flat, making it suitable for various fitness levels. Runners can explore paths alongside the Des Plaines River and through areas like the Half Day Forest Preserve, which feature natural landscapes and open spaces. The region provides accessible running opportunities within a suburban setting.
Best jogging routes around Vernon Hills
- The most popular jogging route is Half Day County Forest Preserve loop via Des Plaines River Trail, an easy 2.9 miles (4.6 km) trail that takes about 33 minutes to complete. This loop offers a pleasant run through the forest preserve, connecting with the Des Plaines River Trail.
- Another top favourite among local runners is Des Plaines River Trail, an easy 2.7 miles (4.3 km) path. This route follows the scenic Des Plaines River, providing a flat and consistent surface ideal for running.
- Local runners also love the Des Plaines River bridge – Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds loop from Prairie View, a 7.4 miles (11.9 km) trail leading through riverine landscapes and forest preserve ponds, often completed in about 1 hour 14 minutes.
- Jogging around Vernon Hills is defined by river trails, forest preserves, and open parklands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy, flat paths to longer, moderate routes.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. Nearly 400 runners have used komoot to explore Vernon Hills's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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4.60km
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This easy 2.9-mile jogging loop in Half Day County Forest Preserve offers scenic river views and abundant wildlife along the Des Plaines Riv
4.35km
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This easy 2.7-mile jogging route on the Des Plaines River Trail offers scenic river views and wildlife spotting in Half Day Forest Preserve.
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Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This forest preserve offers a quiet escape from the city with a good selection of trails. All the trails are well marked and well maintained. You can also connect to the Des Plains River Trail to explore further afield.
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MacArthur Woods is a preserved forest that showcases the original landscape of the eastern Des Plaines River Valley. The area features a diverse mix of plants, creating an important habitat for breeding forest birds, including the brown creeper, red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged hawk, veery, pileated woodpecker, and several rare warblers.
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MacArthur Woods is a preserved forest that showcases the original landscape of the eastern Des Plaines River Valley. The area features a diverse mix of plants, creating an important habitat for breeding forest birds, including the brown creeper, red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged hawk, veery, pileated woodpecker, and several rare warblers.
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Here you will find a gorgeous network of flat, crushed gravel trails that connect with the Des Plaines River Trail and other nearby preserves. The trails take you around scenic ponds, by picnic areas, and through the woods. This is a great place to see birds who use the ponds as migratory stops.
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You can follow the trail for 56 miles along the Des Plaines River with gorgeous views of local preserves, watersheds, forests, and marshes. The trail is wide packed gravel and shared with hikers and the occasional horseback rider. Here your pass through the County Forest Preserve which has its own scenic trail network.
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The Des Plaines River Trail stretches over 56 miles along the Des Plaines River, offering a scenic natural escape through Lake and Cook Counties, just outside Chicago. This multi-use trail features a mix of surfaces, including pavement, crushed stone, and single-track forest paths, making for an exciting and varied biking experience. The northern sections are well-maintained and popular, while the southern portions become narrower and more rugged. This particular portion of the Des Plaines River Trail passes through Half Day Forest Preserve with nice views of the river and several ponds.
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Des Plaines River Trail is a popular 2 mile popular gravel trail located near Mettawa, Illinois, that runs largely along the water. It is popular with cyclists, walkers, runners, and the occasional horseback rider.
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This forest preserve offers a quiet escape from the city with a good selection of trails. All the trails are well marked and well maintained. You can also connect to the Des Plains River Trail to explore further afield.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Vernon Hills?
There are over 50 running routes around Vernon Hills, ranging from easy to difficult, primarily utilizing the extensive network of river trails and forest preserves.
Are there easy running routes suitable for beginners in Vernon Hills?
Yes, Vernon Hills offers 8 easy running routes. A great option for beginners is the Half Day County Forest Preserve loop via Des Plaines River Trail, an easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) trail that provides a pleasant run through natural landscapes.
Where can I find longer distance running trails in Vernon Hills?
For those looking for longer runs, Vernon Hills has several moderate and difficult routes. The Des Plaines River bridge – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Prairie View is a challenging 26-mile (41.8 km) route that follows the scenic Des Plaines River.
Are there any running routes with significant elevation gain in Vernon Hills?
The terrain in Vernon Hills is generally flat, making most routes suitable for consistent running without much elevation. While there aren't significant hills, routes like the Des Plaines River bridge – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Prairie View do accumulate some elevation over their longer distances.
What are some scenic running routes in Vernon Hills?
Many routes offer scenic views, particularly those along the Des Plaines River. The Des Plaines River Trail itself provides a beautiful, flat path alongside the river, perfect for enjoying the natural surroundings.
Are there any loop running trails in Vernon Hills?
Yes, many of the running paths in Vernon Hills are loops. For example, the Half Day County Forest Preserve loop via Des Plaines River Trail is a popular loop that connects forest preserve paths with the river trail.
What kind of natural attractions can I see along the running routes?
The running routes often pass through or near various natural attractions. You can explore areas like MacArthur Woods Forest Preserve and Dam Number 1 Woods. Many trails also feature beautiful lakes and ponds, such as Independence Grove Lake and Half Day Forest Preserve Ponds.
Are there any family-friendly running paths in Vernon Hills?
Given the generally flat terrain and well-maintained paths, many routes are suitable for families. Shorter, easy loops like the Half Day County Forest Preserve loop are excellent choices for a family run or walk.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Vernon Hills?
The komoot community highly rates the running experience in Vernon Hills, with an average score of 3.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of river trails and forest preserves, providing accessible and pleasant running opportunities within a suburban setting.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest along the running trails?
Yes, runners can encounter several points of interest. The Des Plaines River bridge is a notable landmark that features in some routes, offering scenic views of the river. Many trails also lead through or past various forest preserves and lakes.
What is the best time of year for running in Vernon Hills?
Spring, summer, and fall offer pleasant conditions for running in Vernon Hills, with lush greenery and comfortable temperatures. Winter running is also possible, though some paths may require appropriate gear for snow or ice.
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