The best walks and hikes around Melrose Park

Yes, the area is very well-suited for family outings. Most of the trails are flat and easy to navigate. A great option is the Salt Creek Greenway — Cricket Creek County Forest Preserve route, which is a gentle walk through woodlands. Many of the forest preserves, like the popular Thatcher Woods, also have simple, unmarked trail systems perfect for a short stroll with kids.

Many of the trails in the forest preserves near Melrose Park are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. The long, continuous paths of the Des Plaines River Trail and the Salt Creek Trail are great for giving your dog a good walk. Always check the specific regulations for the forest preserve you plan to visit before you go.

Hikers have several excellent options in the local forest preserves. Some of the most popular spots include:

• Thatcher Woods: A highly-regarded local favorite known for its 245 acres of floodplain woodlands and a nature museum.
• Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve: Praised for its beautiful scenery and well-maintained, easy-to-follow trails.
• Jerome Huppert Woods: A lovely forested area along the Des Plaines River, offering pleasant walks and opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Both are excellent greenways, but they offer slightly different experiences. The Des Plaines River Trail closely follows the river, offering consistent water views through preserves like Thatcher Woods and Schiller Woods. The Salt Creek Trail connects a series of woodlands and prairies, providing a more varied landscape as it meanders through places like Brookfield Woods and Fullersburg Woods.

Yes, you can find paved sections along both the Des Plaines River Trail and the Salt Creek Trail. These are ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, and for those who prefer a smooth, even surface for walking or running. The Eisenhower Park via Illinois Prairie Path — Bellwood route is a good example of a trail that utilizes these types of paths.

The landscape is defined by its green corridors along the two main waterways. You'll hike through serene floodplain forests with dense tree canopies, especially in Thatcher Woods. The trails also open up into meadows and restored prairies, offering a mix of shaded woodland paths and sunny, open spaces. The presence of the Des Plaines River and Salt Creek provides consistent, scenic water views.

You can explore nearly 30 different hiking routes around Melrose Park. The vast majority of these are rated as easy, with a handful of moderate options available, making the region accessible to hikers of all skill levels.

The trails around Melrose Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful escape from the city, the well-maintained paths through the forest preserves, and the beautiful scenery along the rivers.

Yes, winter hiking is a great way to experience the area. The flat, wide trails in the forest preserves are often used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing after a snowfall. The bare trees also provide clearer views of the river and make it easier to spot wildlife.

Absolutely. While many trails follow the rivers out-and-back, there are enjoyable loops within the forest preserves. The Thatcher Glen Pond Loop — Thatcher Woods is a perfect example, offering a complete circuit that is easy to follow and takes you around the scenic Thatcher Glen Pond.

The Des Plaines River Trail is an excellent choice for trail running. It offers miles of relatively flat, continuous paths, allowing you to run for as long as you like without interruption. The Schiller Woods to Robinson Woods North via Des Plaines River Trail — Chicago route provides a good segment to start with.