Hidden Lake Forest Preserve
Tranquil forest preserve with serene lakes, offering kayaking, fishing, and scenic walking trails for a peaceful nature escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unmatched sunlit views
Hidden Lake Forest Preserve
Best Time
Unmatched sunlit views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil forest preserve with serene lakes, offering kayaking, fishing, and scenic walking trails for a peaceful nature escape.
"Beautiful place to walk or fish! The trail around Eagle is beautiful, has a really cool bridge and has lots of shade."
Bring water & hat
Round Meadow Lake trail has little shade. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun!
Dog-friendly paths
Great for dogs! Choose shaded trails like Eagle Lake for warmer days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eagle Lake Trail
Eagle Lake
A shaded, 1-mile loop around Eagle Lake with a charming bridge. Perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Round Meadow Lake Trail
Round Meadow Lake
A sunny, 0.9-mile path around Round Meadow Lake. Ideal for golden hour views, but bring a hat!
Stone Gates
Butterfield Rd (Rt. 56)
Intriguing stone gates on Butterfield Rd. hint at a hidden, inaccessible path. A local mystery!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Trails for Shade
Navigating the Paths
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring water & hat
Round Meadow Lake trail has little shade. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun!
Dog-friendly paths
Great for dogs! Choose shaded trails like Eagle Lake for warmer days.
Anyone know the background on the stone gates on Butterfield Rd. (Rt. 56) between Lloyd Ave. and Rt. 53 in Lombard?
Trail variety
Mix of asphalt & gravel. Good for walking/running, less so for rollerblading.
Restroom availability
Convenient restrooms are available on-site. Always a plus!
Hidden gems in a Bolingbrook, Woodridge, or Lisle area?
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring water & hat
Round Meadow Lake trail has little shade. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun!
Dog-friendly paths
Great for dogs! Choose shaded trails like Eagle Lake for warmer days.
Trail variety
Mix of asphalt & gravel. Good for walking/running, less so for rollerblading.
Restroom availability
Convenient restrooms are available on-site. Always a plus!
Picnic spots
Enjoy a meal amidst nature. Benches are scattered along paths for quick rests.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hidden Lake Forest Preserve for its beautiful, well-maintained trails and tranquil atmosphere, making it a lovely spot for walking, fishing, and enjoying nature. The shaded Eagle Lake trail is a particular favorite, offering a comfortable experience even on warm days. Some find the Round Meadow Lake trail a bit too sunny, and the inaccessible stone gates add a touch of local mystery.
"Beautiful. There are two walking trails. I felt pretty safe in both pathways."
Emily Rezek
"Beautiful place to walk or fish!"
Joann Kerschner
"The trail around Eagle is beautiful, has a really cool bridge and has lots of shade. Not particularly long (1 mile) but worth the trip.
The (0.9 mile) trail around Round Meadow Lake is also beautiful but if you go during the day bring a hat! Lots of sun with very little shade."
Tom Grotto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hidden Lake Forest Preserve is accessible by car, with parking available on-site. It's located near Butterfield Road (Rt. 56) and Rt. 53 in Lombard. For those using public transport, check local bus routes as direct access might be limited.
Yes, there are parking lots available within the preserve. They are conveniently located near the entrances and trailheads, with trash and recycling bins nearby.
Absolutely! The preserve is a good spot for biking, offering a mix of paved and gravel paths suitable for cycling.
Yes, fishing is one of the activities offered at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, making it a great spot for anglers.
The preserve is situated near major roads like Butterfield Road (Rt. 56) and Rt. 53, making it relatively easy to access by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, forest preserves in the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, including Hidden Lake, are free to enter and enjoy. There are no admission fees.
Forest preserves typically open at dawn and close at dusk. It's always a good idea to check the official DuPage Forest Preserve District website for the most current hours.
While kayaking is mentioned as an activity, specific permit requirements can vary. It's best to check with the DuPage Forest Preserve District for any necessary permits or regulations regarding watercraft.
Dogs are welcome at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Remember to clean up after your pet.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are benches along the paths, and you can bring your own setup to enjoy a meal in nature.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The preserve features a mix of asphalt and fine gravel walking paths. The Eagle Lake trail is known for its shade, while the Round Meadow Lake trail is more open.
Yes, it's a great place for hiking with easy-to-walk trails around the lakes. The Eagle Lake trail is particularly pleasant due to its shade.
Restrooms are available on-site, which is a convenient amenity for visitors.
The terrain is a mix of asphalt and fine gravel, making it easy to walk on. It's suitable for most fitness levels.
The imposing stone gates on Butterfield Road (Rt. 56) lead to a path that is currently blocked by a chain. Their historical background is a local curiosity, with no clear public access or explanation readily available.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour is particularly beautiful here, especially around Round Meadow Lake, offering stunning sunlit views. The bridge on the Eagle Lake trail also makes for a picturesque shot.
Yes, with its lakes, trees, and diverse plant life, it offers opportunities for nature photography. The changing seasons also provide varied backdrops.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hour) provide the best lighting for photography, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The mysterious stone gates on Butterfield Road offer a unique, albeit inaccessible, subject for photography, sparking curiosity.
Besides your camera, consider bringing a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for any wildlife you might spot. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection, especially if you plan to explore the more open Round Meadow Lake trail. The presence of restrooms adds to the convenience for families. It's a wonderful place for a picnic lunch amidst nature, offering a relaxed environment for everyone to enjoy.
🐶 Dog Owners
To ensure your dog's comfort, especially on warmer days, consider sticking to the shaded Eagle Lake trail. The mix of asphalt and fine gravel paths is generally comfortable for paws. Just remember to always keep your dog on a leash and be sure to clean up after them.
📸 Photographers
For a unique shot, the mysterious stone gates on Butterfield Road offer an intriguing, albeit inaccessible, subject. Consider bringing a variety of lenses to capture both the expansive lake views and any smaller natural details you might encounter.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
The Round Meadow Lake trail, measuring 0.9 miles, offers a different experience. It's characterized by less tree cover, making it more exposed to the sun. This trail is ideal for those seeking unobstructed views and is especially stunning during the golden hour, when the sunlight bathes the landscape in a warm glow. However, visitors are advised to bring a hat and plenty of water if choosing this path during the day.
Both trails are generally easy to navigate, with a surface that's a combination of asphalt and fine gravel. This makes them suitable for walking and running, though the varied terrain might not be ideal for activities like rollerblading.
The Mystery of the Stone Gates
Their origin and purpose remain a local mystery, sparking curiosity among those who notice them. While they are a visible landmark and a point of interest for photographers seeking unique subjects, their inaccessible nature adds to their enigmatic allure. The gates serve as a silent testament to a past or perhaps a planned development that never materialized, leaving visitors to ponder their history.
Activities and Amenities
For visitor convenience, the preserve is equipped with essential amenities. Restrooms are available on-site, ensuring comfort during your visit. Additionally, trash and recycling bins are strategically placed near the parking lots, encouraging visitors to keep the preserve clean. Scattered benches along the paths provide opportunities for rest and quiet contemplation.
Social
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