NAVIGATE THE TRAILS
St. Charles, Illinois is home to numerous trails, scenic parks, and vibrant forest preserves. A favorite path of many is the Fox River Trail that allows for breathtaking views of the water. Learn more about all there is to discover in this city!
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Trails
VENTURE THE TRAILS
Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve (West)
North of downtown St. Charles, situated by the Fox River, is the Fox River Bluff West Forest Preserve. This trail is a 3.8 mile loop that is popular for bird-watching, hiking, and biking.
Photo credit: www.alltrails.com
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Fox River Trail South from St. Charles
The Fox River Trail South from St. Charles is a 35 mile, out-and-back, paved bike path that runs from downtown St. Charles to Oswego. This trail runs right next to the beautiful Fox River from start to finish.
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Horlock Hill Prairie LeRoy Oakes Loop
Explore the Horlock Hill Prairie LeRoy Oakes Loop Trail. This 1-mile loop is located at the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, and is open year-round. Popular activities here are bird watching, hiking, and mountain biking.
Photo credit: www.alltrails.com
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Inner and Outer Ring Loop Trail
The Inner and Outer Ring Trail Loop is located west of St. Charles, and is a 2.5-mile loop that is moderately challenging. This trail is popular for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Photo credit: www.alltrails.com
Fox River Trail North from St. Charles
The Fox River Trail North from St. Charles is a 39 mile, out-and-back, paved bike path that runs from downtown St. Charles to Algonquin. This route runs right next to the beautiful Fox River from start to finish.
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Great Western Trail: Western Section
The Great Western Trail: Western Section is a 17 mile point-to-point trail that begins just west of Randall Road and continues on until you reach Sycamore. This trail is great for hiking, biking, and viewing wildlife.
Photo credit: www.alltrails.com
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Hoscheit Woods Forest Preserve Loop
Located right off Route 25, the Hoscheit Woods Forest Preserve Loop is a 2.4 mile loop located at the Hoscheit Woods Forest Preserve, and is perfect for hiking and watching wildlife.
Photo credit: www.alltrails.com
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Otter Creek Trail
Otter Creek Trail is a 2.9 mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered an easier route, the trail is popular for birding, road biking, and trail running. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Photo credit: www.alltrails.com
Stop By These Businesses Along the Fox River Trail.
PLAY AT THE PARKS
Parks
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Pottawatomie Park
Nestled right by the Fox River is Pottawatomie Park. This park is filled with activities such as miniature golf, swimming, pickleball, golf and more. This is a great place to explore the trails, as you can access the Fox River Trail from this park.
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Mt. St. Mary Park
Right off of Route 31 is Mt. St. Mary Park. This park offers a basketball court, a skate park, a paddle sport launch, and more. There are also sculptures throughout the park, which are perfect to admire while you're taking a walk.
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Delnor Woods Park
Delnor Woods Park is home to century-old trees, a pond with a waterfall, a playground, and a .66 mile trail perfect for a stroll. It's also home to the Timeless Tags Dog Memorial, where you can hang the tag of a former pet in honor of their memory.
Lincoln Park
Situated downtown, Lincoln Park offers a playground, a picnic pavilion for rental, and more. It is also home to the St. Charles Park District's Summer Concerts in the Park. When the weather turns cold, there is an ice rink for skating.
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East Side Sports Complex
The East Side Sports Complex features an array of athletic fields for tournament play, a playground, a skatepark, and am opportunity to fish, and more. There is also a dog park with a pond, so that your pup can get some exercise in, too.
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James O. Breen Community Park
Just west of downtown St. Charles at James O. Breen Community Park, you'll find a 9-hole disc golf course, garden plots, a dog park, and more. You'll also find the Otter Cove Aquatic Park, and the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.
The St. Charles Park District welcomes participating in all activities by individuals with disabilities and special needs by working cooperatively with the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. Click here to learn more about the St. Charles Park District's commitment to inclusion.
Dog Parks
BRING YOUR FURRY FRIEND
Don't leave your best pal behind! St. Charles, Illinois is home to three dog parks that your pup will absolutely love. The East Side Sports Complex, River Bend Community Park, and the James O. Breen Community Park all have parks where they can run around, meet other dogs, and have some fun.
Forest Preserves
APPRECIATE THE FOREST PRESERVES
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LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is made-up of prairies and woodlands that span 459 acres. This forest preserve has trails for horseback riding, and is home to the Creek Bend Nature Center, the Durant House Museum and Pioneer Sholes School.
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Hoscheit Woods Forest Preserve
Hoscheit Woods Forest Preserve is a 162.62 acre forest preserve that sits next to Route 25. This forest preserve features trails for horseback riding, as well as picnic areas, covered shelters, and nature trails for biking and hiking.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
At Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, you'll find a network of grass foot trails that run through 110 acres of prairies and woodlands. There is also handicap-accessible asphalt trails that runs along the eastern side of the forest preserve.
Photo Credit: Kane County Forest Preserve District
Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve (West)
Fox River Bluff Forest Preserve (West) sits by the west shoreline of the Fox River along Route 31, and is one of the District's approved off-leash dog areas. This is a great spot for bird-watching, fishing, and exploring the trails.
