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NAVIGATE THE TRAILS

St. Charles, Illinois is home to numerous trails, scenic parks, and vibrant forest preserves. With a variety of natural features to admire, you won't be short on areas to explore! Learn more about all there is to discover in this city!

Trails

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Parks

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Dog Parks

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Forest Preserves

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Trails

VENTURE THE TRAILS

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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

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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

Campbell Creations

Campbell Creations is a locally-owned business that offers beautiful, hand-crafted charcuterie boards. These charcuterie boards are not only perfect to display meats and cheeses, but can also be displayed as works of art.

Hotel Baker

A staple in St. Charles since 1928, the historic Hotel Baker offers elegant guest rooms and state of the art amenities. This is also a popular wedding venue, as well as dining and frequent live music at the Rox City Grill.

Townhouse Books & Cafe

This independent bookstore also offers fresh-from-scratch soups and delicious sandwiches. This is a perfect spot to refuel after being on the trails, and to find a new book that you can't put down.

Stop By These Businesses Along the Fox River Trail.

Parks

PLAY AT THE PARKS

Parks

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.