Arie Crown Forest

Winter review: I hiked part of Arie Crown Forest yellow trail. It has two 2.0 mile trials. We ended up staying too long at Santa Fe Prairie (check it out if you like Caboose) and were only able to hike 1 mile there and back to my car. This location caught my interest because it has a street that goes inside the forest. If you go the street will be closed due to them not wanting to plow the snow but you can hike to the trail entrance a few blocks. A few trails lead to to other mini trails so exploring was fun. Tall trees all around. One of the trails connect to Lake Ida. I was a little disappointed I did not get to finish the 2 miles but plan to go back.

Trail length: two 2.0 Miles trails

Parking: Yes, Main parking at entrance and then a few parking along the forest street.

Dog friendly: Yes but has to be leashed.

Bathrooms: Yes, only saw one in the distance but not near the parking lot. Did not see any porta potties besides the one near the designated picnic area.

Has designated picnic area: Yes

Seating along path: I did not see anywhere to sit along the yellow trail. Bring something to sit on if you require frequent breaks.

Strict or relaxed: Relaxed

DO NOT WALK/BIKE IN THROUGH THE NORTH TRAIL- extremely muddy, poor drainage, my bike got stuck twice. However, this is the only trail that i’ve had this problem on. Otherwise excellent trails especially near the south of the preserve for hiking/biking, some trails don’t show up on the Maps app but trail markers are dispersed throughout. Some litter although not enough to be an issue and covered picnic sites are easily accessible. Very hilly on the entire trail and good bridges.

We walk our dogs here a couple times a week. We see lots of wildlife and not many people.

A peaceful place to enjoy nature and hit the trail.

Peaceful but adventurous! For my grandkids and I, it was a beautiful place to have our lunch we brought with us, play some frisbee, watch another family flying their kite, and then go exploring afterward. Memories were made. I have memories of my younger days here too. I love Arie Crown Woods.

Rare drive-thru forest preserve! Beautiful scenery and foliage during the fall. There are occasional areas where you can stop and park your vehicle to get out and look around. There is a separate hiking trail as well. And there are port-a- pottys too but not too many.

Great and amazing experience

Great little hike if you want to get the blood flowing in your legs. Seems to be open in the winter more often than the main entrance to Arie Crown Forest

Arie Crown Forest is one of the best nature preserves in the state of Illinois where you can do just about anything here with family and friends as well as enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the woods, lakes, and meadows.

My favorite go to place for a 1.8 mile hike with nature well kept up, Well patrolled by part district!

It's absolutely beautiful, an extremely an amazing place beautiful and very peaceful, and can be enjoyed for any occasion,💕 I love it.

Very relaxing place to be at any time we like to come here to have our tamales and chanpurado 💘 very clean 👌

Nice open arae and woods near the city. Easy to access beside highways. Great for hiking!

I take my dog walking here. Great location. Clean. Not very busy.

Love walking there everyday, enjoy the scenario

There used to be a WW1 canon located here just off LaGrange Road. is it still here? Great memories as a kid.

Love visiting nature. No complaints. Average spot

Love this place quick from City nice 2.3 mile path. Dog love it

Lovely place to relax and get away from the city noise.

Well maintained, with a large open field and pavilions. Also some hiking trails.