The best walks and hikes around Tinley Park
5.0
(20)
141
hikers
22
hikes
Hiking around Tinley Park features a landscape of restored prairies, woodlands, and serene wetlands. The region, part of the Chicago Southland, offers extensive trail systems within Cook County forest preserves. These routes are generally flat with gentle hills, passing through open grasslands and around small lakes. The terrain primarily consists of paved greenway trails and quiet forest preserves, providing accessible paths for various activities.
Best hiking trails around Tinley Park
- The most popular hiking route is Tinley Creek Red, Green, and Purple Trails, a 10.2 miles (16.5 km) trail that takes around 4 hours 12 minutes to complete. This long-distance path meanders through a mix of woodland and prairie landscapes within Tinley Creek Forest Preserve.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Orland Grassland Red Trail, a moderate 5.0 miles (8.1 km) path. The trail offers an immersive experience through a vast, restored prairie habitat known for bird watching.
- Local hikers also love the Centennial Park Loop Trail, a 1.4 miles (2.3 km) trail leading through parkland and around Lake Sedgewick, often completed in about 35 minutes.
- Hiking around Tinley Park is defined by paved greenway trails, restored prairies, and quiet forest preserves. The network of routes provides accessible options for different fitness levels, from short walks to longer hikes.
- The routes in Tinley Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from more than 25 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Tinley Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
1
hikers
2.31km
00:35
10m
10m
The Centennial Park Loop Trail offers a refreshing urban escape, winding through a well-kept green space that provides a pleasant backdrop for a casual walk. You'll find mostly paved paths, with some sections of decomposed granite, making for a smooth and accessible surface. It's a great spot to observe local birdlife, particularly during migration seasons, adding a touch of natural beauty to your outing.
Planning your visit is simple, as parking is readily available at Centennial Park. This easy 1.4-mile (2.3 km) route, with only 18 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 35 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a quick stroll. It's a family-friendly option that you can enjoy year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for your walk.
This trail stands out as a highly accessible hiking trail for beginners or anyone seeking a gentle outdoor activity within the Tinley Park area. It provides a valuable green lung in an urban setting, perfect for a leisurely break or a short, easy walk to clear your head. Its maintained paths and minimal difficulty make it a popular choice for local residents.
16.5km
04:12
60m
40m
The Tinley Creek Red, Green, and Purple Trails offer a refreshing journey through a diverse landscape of prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. You'll find yourself winding past small lakes, including the serene Turtlehead Lake, and even alongside the manicured greens of the George W. Dunne National Golf Course. The trails are predominantly paved, providing a smooth surface for a leisurely outing, with just enough gentle rolling hills to keep things interesting without being overly demanding.
Planning your visit is straightforward for this moderate 10.2-mile (16.5 km) route, which typically takes around 4 hours and 11 minutes to complete. The trails are multi-use and dog-friendly, requiring dogs to be on a leash. Trailside maps are often available, and access points are generally easy to locate within the Forest Preserves of Cook County, making it a convenient escape any time of year.
Part of the extensive Forest Preserves of Cook County, this trail system is a key natural amenity, providing a tranquil escape from urban life. The varied ecosystems support birdwatching opportunities, with sightings of sparrows and orioles, and even deer in quieter wooded areas. It's a well-maintained system that connects to other facilities like picnic areas, offering more than just a hike.
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2.37km
00:36
0m
10m
Hike the easy 1.5-mile (2.4 km) Lake Sedgewick Centennial Park Loop, enjoying scenic lake views, marshy areas, and a wooden boardwalk.
5.42km
01:22
0m
20m
Embark on an easy hike along the Old Plank Road Trail, a flat, paved path that meanders for 3.4 miles (5.4 km). You will experience minimal elevation gain, just 12 feet (4 metres), making it a comfortable outing that typically takes around 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete. As you go, you'll pass through varied scenery, including oak trees, prairie grasses, and wildflowers, with a notable highlight being the distinctive arrowhead-shaped suspension bridge spanning over US 45.
This multi-use paved route is designed for easy access, making it a convenient choice for a day trip. You will find parking readily available at several points along the trail's length, allowing you to start your adventure from various locations. The trail is well-suited for a relaxed pace, and its accessibility means you can enjoy it at almost any time of day.
The Old Plank Road Trail is particularly well-regarded as an excellent option for beginner hikers due to its gentle grade and clear path. Beyond its natural beauty, the trail's unique suspension bridge is an award-winning architectural feature, adding an interesting visual element to your journey. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you explore the prairie patches and nature preserves bordering the route.
10
hikers
8.07km
02:04
30m
30m
Hike the 5.0 miles (8.1 km) Orland Grassland Red Trail, a moderate loop through a restored prairie with diverse wildlife and distant city vi
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Tips from the Community
This site is an ideal habitat for many rare grassland birds. The area was once farmland, then was transformed; now there are grasslands, wetlands, ponds and woodlands . Native grasses and wildflowers flourish here thanks to conservation work that began in the early 2000s.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails in Tinley Park?
Yes, many of the trails in the Cook County Forest Preserves around Tinley Park are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. The extensive Tinley Creek Trail System is a popular choice for dog walkers. For off-leash fun, you can visit dedicated dog parks in the area like Simba & Nala's Dog Park or Canine Campus Dog Park after your hike.
What are some good, easy hikes for families with children?
For a family-friendly outing, consider the Pogie Lake Loop — Oak Forest Heritage Preserve. It's a relatively short and flat trail that circles a lake, offering pleasant scenery without being too strenuous for little legs. Another great option is Centennial Park, which has easy walking paths and a playground.
Are there any long-distance hiking trails in the area?
The region is excellent for longer hikes. The Old Plank Road Trail is a 22-mile paved path connecting several towns, perfect for a full day of walking. Within the Tinley Creek Trail System, you can combine various colored loops to create a custom long-distance route that suits your desired length and scenery.
What are the best trails for bird watching near Tinley Park?
The area is a haven for bird watchers. Orland Grassland is a designated Important Bird Area, known for its open prairie habitats where you can spot species like the Henslow's Sparrow and Bobolink. Bartel Grassland is another vital habitat for grassland birds. Both preserves offer trails that take you through these prime birding landscapes.
Can I get to the trailheads using public transport?
Accessing the trail systems directly via public transport can be challenging. The primary trail networks, like the Tinley Creek Trail System and Orland Grassland, are best reached by car. There is generally ample parking available at the main forest preserve entrances and trailheads.
Are most of the hiking trails paved?
Tinley Park offers a great mix of trail surfaces. You'll find many miles of paved trails, such as the Tinley Creek Purple Paved Trail loop, which are ideal for easy walking, running, and cycling. For a more rustic experience, preserves like Sag Valley and Orland Grassland also feature unpaved footpaths that wind through forests and prairies.
What is the terrain like on the Tinley Park trails?
The landscape is typical of the Chicago Southland, characterized by generally flat terrain with some gentle, rolling hills. Hikes will take you through a variety of environments, including dense woodlands, serene wetlands, and vast, restored prairies. You won't find steep climbs, making the trails accessible to most fitness levels.
Are there any circular hiking routes or loops?
Yes, loop trails are very common in the area. The Tinley Creek Trail System is famous for its color-coded paved loops of varying lengths. Orland Grassland also features a main 5-mile loop and a smaller 1.6-mile loop, both offering an immersive experience in the prairie.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails around Tinley Park?
The trails around Tinley Park are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained, paved paths within the forest preserves and the peaceful atmosphere. The diversity of scenery, from the open grasslands of Orland Grassland to the woodlands of the Tinley Creek system, is another frequently mentioned highlight.
Where can I hike through restored prairie landscapes?
For a classic prairie experience, head to Orland Grassland. This large preserve features over five miles of trails through rolling acres of restored prairie, wetland, and savanna habitats, which are especially vibrant with wildflowers in the summer. Bartel Grassland is another significant site undergoing prairie restoration, explorable via a perimeter footpath.
Are there any good places to hike within the Forest Preserves of Cook County?
Absolutely. Most of the premier hiking in the area is within the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Popular spots include Yankee Woods and Rubio Woods, both highly regarded by locals for their clean, scenic walking and biking trails through quiet woodlands. St. Mihiel Woods-East also offers a lovely network of shaded trails.
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