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Cook County

North Pool (Busse Lake) – Busse Woods Red Loop Trail loop from Ned Brown Forest Preserve

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Illinois

Cook County

North Pool (Busse Lake) – Busse Woods Red Loop Trail loop from Ned Brown Forest Preserve

Easy

2.9

(29)

hikers

North Pool (Busse Lake) – Busse Woods Red Loop Trail loop from Ned Brown Forest Preserve

01:00

3.97km

10m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

110 m

North Pool (Busse Lake)

Highlight • Lake

This pool is part of Busse Reservoir, AKA Busse Lake, which was created in 1978. There's a nice multi-use trail along the shore.

Tip by

683 m

Busse Lake — North and Main Pools

Highlight • Lake

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.

Tip by

1.50 km

Busse Woods Red Loop Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Busse Woods Red Loop Trail is a fantastic seven mile multi-use paved path, with great views of the lake as it winds through the beautiful preserve. There are great markers along the way, making it easy to keep track of how far you are on the trail.

Tip by

2.03 km

Bridge over Connecting Canal

Highlight • Bridge

This bridge crosses the canal that joins the two bodies of water. A truly scenic crossing!

Tip by

3.97 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.47 km

438 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.82 km

147 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 8 July

33°C

18°C

-- %

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're looking for an easy, high-payoff outdoor escape in the Chicago suburbs, the North Pool (Busse Lake) – Busse Woods Red Loop Trail loop from Ned Brown Forest Preserve is definitely worth your time. This 2.5-mile (4.0 km) hiking route is rated easy, with a minimal 29 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, and you can comfortably complete it in about 1 hour. It's a perfect choice for families, beginners, or anyone seeking a relaxing stroll with plenty of natural beauty.

What to expect on North Pool (Busse Lake) – Busse Woods Red Loop Trail loop from Ned Brown Forest Preserve

This trail offers a delightful journey through varied landscapes, making it one of the most popular trails in Busse Woods. You'll find yourself winding through peaceful oak woodlands, past marshlands, and across open meadows, all while enjoying panoramic viewpoints of Busse Lake. The route is predominantly paved, ensuring a smooth and accessible experience for all, and you'll even cross scenic bridges over canals and roadways. Keep an eye out for the resident elk herd in their designated pasture; it's a unique wildlife spotting opportunity that adds a special touch to your hike. The gentle terrain and minimal effort make this a great option for a leisurely outing.

Planning your visit

The Busse Woods Red Loop Trail is a highly utilized path, especially on weekends and during pleasant weather, so consider visiting on a weekday or earlier in the morning if you prefer fewer crowds. Parking at Ned Brown Forest Preserve for Busse Woods Red Loop is generally available, but arriving early can help secure a spot. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but remember to keep them on a leash at all times. The natural features of Ned Brown Forest Preserve change beautifully with the seasons, offering something new to see whether you visit in spring, summer, fall, or even winter.

Trail details