The best walks and hikes around Mount Prospect

Yes, the area is excellent for family outings. Many local parks, like Sycamore Trails Park and Burning Bush Trails Park, offer short, paved paths perfect for children and casual strolls. For a slightly longer but still accessible adventure, the Lake Arlington loop from Wheeling Township is a great option that provides lovely water views on a flat, easy-to-follow trail.

Most trails in the Cook County Forest Preserves, including those in Busse Woods and along the Des Plaines River, are dog-friendly. However, dogs must be kept on a leash that is no longer than 10 feet at all times. Always check the specific regulations for the park or preserve you plan to visit before you go.

The trails around Mount Prospect are generally characterized by flat terrain, making them accessible but not technically challenging. While there are no difficult, high-elevation climbs, you can find a good challenge in distance. For example, the Des Plaines River Trail to Cahokia Flatwoods offers a longer hike of over 11 miles, testing your endurance through varied woodlands.

For beautiful scenery, Busse Woods is a top choice. The trails there loop around the expansive Busse Lake, offering continuous water views and passing through classic Midwestern woodlands. A particularly unique feature is the enclosed elk pasture, where you can often spot a resident herd. The Des Plaines River Trail also provides changing landscapes, from lush forests to open prairies and wetlands.

Absolutely. The region has an excellent selection of paved trails. The main loop in Busse Woods is a popular, well-maintained paved path that's ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The Red Paved loop is a great example, offering a substantial route for a good workout. Many local parks in Mount Prospect also feature shorter paved loops.

You can explore over 25 different hiking routes around Mount Prospect. The vast majority of these are rated as easy, with a few moderate options for those seeking a bit more distance. The network primarily consists of trails within the large forest preserves and smaller local parks.

The trails around Mount Prospect are very highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of nearly 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful woodland scenery, and the beautiful views around Busse Lake.

Busse Woods is the premier destination for circular hikes, or loops. It features several well-marked, color-coded trails that loop through the preserve. The Busse Woods Red Loop Trail loop from Park Ridge is a fantastic example of a shorter loop that still gives you a great feel for the preserve's beautiful forest and lakeside environment.

While many trailheads are most easily accessed by car, some are reachable via public transportation. Several Pace bus routes service the areas around the forest preserves. It's best to use a transit app to plan your specific route to trail entrances like those for Busse Woods or the Des Plaines River Trail, as it may require a short walk from the bus stop.

Busse Woods is best known for its large, paved loop system centered around Busse Lake, making it ideal for families, runners, and those who prefer a well-defined, circular route with consistent water views. The Des Plaines River Trail offers a more linear, rustic experience. Its path follows the river for many miles, with a mix of paved and crushed stone surfaces, and takes you through a more diverse range of habitats like prairies, savannas, and wetlands.

Both major hiking areas have ample parking. Busse Woods has multiple large parking groves spread throughout the preserve, allowing you to start your hike from various points along the loop. The Des Plaines River Trail is accessible from numerous forest preserve parking lots located along its length. For smaller local walks, parks like Burning Bush Trails Park offer free dedicated parking lots.

Yes, there are plenty of shorter options. For a quick but scenic walk, the Red Trail — Busse Forest Nature Preserve is a great choice at just under 4 miles. It takes you through a lovely section of the preserve and can typically be completed in about an hour and a half.