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Running Trails
United States
Illinois
Cook County

Norridge

The best running trails around Norridge

By Fede from komoot

Β·

Updated June 4, 2026

If you’ve ever tried to plan your next jog around Norridge, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails and parks, it’s tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and which are just filler. That’s where we come in. Our komoot community has explored, mapped, and reviewed countless routes here, so we’ve done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best jogging routes Norridge has to offer.

Jogging around Norridge is all about embracing the green spaces that define this corner of Illinois. You'll find a fantastic mix of woodlands, open prairies, and scenic river views, especially along the Des Plaines River. The terrain generally features easy to moderate elevation gains, making it accessible for most, whether you’re looking for a gentle recovery run or a longer, steady workout. It’s a region where the extensive forest preserve systems truly shine, offering a welcome escape into nature.

If you only do one route, make it the Des Plaines River Trail. This 4.7-mile (7.6 km) moderate route is a local favorite for a reason, offering consistent river views and diverse woodlands. For a slightly longer challenge that still keeps the elevation mellow, we love the Des Plaines River Trail loop from Cumberland, stretching 6.2 miles (10.0 km) through beautiful green spaces. With more than 800 runners having used komoot to explore Norridge, you can trust these routes are tried and true.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Des Plaines River Trail
  2. 2

    Des Plaines River Trail loop from Cumberland
  3. 3

    Robinson Woods North loop from O'Hare

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Des Plaines River Trail

7.58Β km

20Β m

Moderate

Des Plaines River Trail loop from Cumberland

9.95Β km

10Β m

Moderate

Robinson Woods North loop from O'Hare

8.65Β km

10Β m

Moderate

Catherine Chevalier Woods – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Cumberland

28.8Β km

50Β m

Hard

Catherine Chevalier Woods – Rose Water Tower loop from Rosemont

6.26Β km

10Β m

Moderate

Robinson Woods North – Catherine Chevalier Woods loop from O'Hare

6.83Β km

10Β m

Moderate

Robinson Woods North loop from Cumberland

8.34Β km

10Β m

Moderate

Catherine Chevalier Woods – Robinson Woods North loop from Cumberland

10.5Β km

10Β m

Moderate

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1.

Des Plaines River Trail

7.58km

00:47

20m

20m

The Des Plaines River Trail offers a delightful escape into nature, characterized by its varied terrain and continuous views of the river. You'll jog through woodlands, prairies, and riparian areas, with sections of crushed gravel and hard-packed soil underfoot. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer and various bird species, especially as you pass through forest preserves like Robinson Woods. This route provides a refreshing experience for those seeking natural beauty close to the city.

Planning your jog on the Des Plaines River Trail is generally easy, with many access points and parking options available. However, it's worth noting that after heavy rains, some underpasses can flood, potentially making sections impassable. The trail is largely considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for most joggers, and this particular 4.7-mile (7.6 km) segment with only 52 feet (16 metres) of elevation gain can be completed in about 46 minutes. Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit, with vibrant fall foliage.

This extensive multi-use trail stretches for over 56 miles, serving as a vital natural oasis near Chicago and its northern suburbs. It connects to other regional trails, expanding your recreational opportunities beyond this specific route. The trail is highly rated by users for its scenic river views and diverse landscapes, making it a popular choice for those looking for Des Plaines River Trail popular routes for jogging.

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4.

Catherine Chevalier Woods – Des Plaines River Trail loop from Cumberland

28.8km

03:23

50m

50m

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.

Catherine Chevalier Woods – Rose Water Tower loop from Rosemont

6.26km

00:42

10m

10m

Discover a pleasant escape for jogging in the Catherine Chevalier Woods, where the unpaved trails guide you through a mix of woodlands and open meadows. You'll enjoy picturesque views of the Des Plaines River, often shaded by mature oak and hickory trees, and might even spot native wildflowers like wood anemone in spring. This 3.9-mile (6.3 km) loop offers a natural surface underfoot, providing a refreshing change from city streets.

This moderate jogging route, with a minimal 44 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, is designed to take about 41 minutes to complete. Parking is available, making it easy to access for a quick workout. It's a great option for those in the Rosemont area looking for a convenient and relatively flat trail to stretch their legs.

The Catherine Chevalier Woods is a vital link in the larger Des Plaines River Trail system, offering over 50 miles of connected greenway for longer runs. While the Rose Water Tower is a notable Rosemont landmark, this route primarily showcases the natural features of the woods, including opportunities to spot white-tailed deer. It's a reliable spot for outdoor activity within the Chicago metropolitan area.

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Tips from the Community

Will
May 26, 2025, Catherine Chevalier Woods

This is one of the many forest preserves along the Des Plaines River Trail. There are picnic tables, bathrooms and parking for trail access here. You can enjoy some great views of the river from here as well.

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The Des Plaines River Trail totals over 31 miles in one direction and has a bunch of different trailheads along the way. This particular section of the crushed-gravel trail gets right up next to the Des Plaines River and offers views of the water. There are a couple other trails nearby that you can connect to.

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Robinson Woods North is a predominantly wooded haven adorned with scattered prairies. Explore remnant prairie spots along the route and look for the white wild indigo, nodding onion, goldenrod, and blazing star plants that create a haven for monarchs and other butterflies.

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This area offers a nice unpaved trail that follows along the Des Plaines River, providing enjoyable views and sounds as you ride. The park is named after Alexander Robinson, the English name of Potawatomi chief Chee-chee-pin-quay, born in 1787.

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This trail meanders along the Des Plaines River, meeting up and crossing the river several times through more than 12 forest preserves, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your ride.

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This area offers a nice unpaved trail that follows along the Des Plaines River, providing enjoyable views and sounds as you ride. The park is named after Alexander Robinson, the English name of Potawatomi chief Chee-chee-pin-quay, born in 1787.

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The Des Plaines River Trail totals over 31 miles in one direction and has a bunch of different trailheads along the way. This particular section of the crushed-gravel trail gets right up next to the Des Plaines River and offers views of the water. There are a couple other trails nearby that you can connect to.

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For many years, the Village of Rosemont has been known for its unique and artistic water tower that looks like a beautiful rose.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many running routes are available in Norridge?

Norridge and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of running routes. You can explore over 80 different jogging trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging long-distance runs.

What are the typical difficulty levels for jogging trails in Norridge?

The jogging trails around Norridge cater to various fitness levels. You'll find a few easy routes perfect for beginners, a large number of moderate trails suitable for regular runners, and some more difficult options for those seeking a challenge. Specifically, there are 4 easy, 68 moderate, and 15 difficult routes available.

What kind of terrain can I expect on Norridge's jogging paths?

Jogging paths in Norridge offer diverse terrain. You can expect crushed-gravel surfaces along extensive river trails like the Des Plaines River Trail, unpaved sections through woodlands in areas like Robinson Woods, and some paved paths within local parks and along the North Shore Channel. The region features a mix of woodlands, prairies, and river views.

Are there any scenic viewpoints or landmarks along the jogging routes?

Yes, several jogging routes offer scenic views and access to natural landmarks. For instance, the Des Plaines River Trail runs alongside the river, providing water views and diverse woodlands. You can also explore areas like Caldwell Woods, known for its rich biodiversity, or the Robinson Woods North Trail Along Des Plaines River for enjoyable views and sounds of nature.

What do other runners say about the jogging experience in Norridge?

The jogging routes in Norridge are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 10 reviews. Runners often praise the blend of natural scenery, accessible paths, and the variety of terrain found within the forest preserves and river trails.

Are there family-friendly running trails in Norridge?

Absolutely. Norridge Park itself offers a convenient 0.7-mile route with easy elevation, suitable for light jogging and families. Many of the easier trails within the forest preserves also provide a pleasant experience for families looking to run together.

Can I bring my dog on the jogging trails in Norridge?

Many of the forest preserve trails in the Norridge area, such as those in Robinson Woods and along the Des Plaines River, are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash and follow local regulations for pet waste to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Are there any circular jogging routes in the Norridge area?

Yes, there are several circular jogging routes. A popular option is the Robinson Woods North loop from Rosemont Theatre, which offers a moderate 3.1-mile run through natural areas. Another is the Catherine Chevalier Woods – Robinson Woods North loop from Rosemont, a longer 7.8-mile loop through varied woodlands.

Where can I find easy jogging routes for beginners in Norridge?

Beginners can start with the local Norridge Park, which offers an easy 0.7-mile loop. Additionally, some sections of the Des Plaines River Trail are relatively flat and easy, providing a gentle introduction to trail running. Look for routes marked as 'easy' in the guide for more options.

Are there options for longer distance running in Norridge?

For those looking for longer runs, the Norridge area has excellent options. The Des Plaines River Trail extends for over 31 miles in one direction, allowing for significant distances. You can also combine loops, such as the Robinson Woods North – Catherine Chevalier Woods loop from Elmwood Park, which covers a challenging 13.8 miles.

Are there paved jogging paths available in Norridge?

Yes, while many trails are natural surfaces, you can find paved options. Norridge Park offers paved sections, and parts of the Robinson Woods trails are described as mostly paved. The North Shore Channel Trail, though a bit further out, also features a dedicated walking and biking path that is suitable for paved running.

What are the best times of year for jogging in Norridge?

Spring, summer, and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for jogging in Norridge. Spring brings blooming nature, summer provides lush greenery, and fall showcases beautiful foliage. While winter running is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice on trails.

Are there any running tracks open to the public near Norridge?

While specific public running tracks aren't detailed in the immediate vicinity, Norridge Park offers athletic facilities that may include a track. For dedicated track running, you might need to check with local high schools or park districts for public access hours.

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