The Salt Creek Trail Systems Red Trail is a non-looping path linking local neighborhoods and over 5 Cook County Forest Preserves in the nearwest suburbs. Located roughly 30 to 45 minutes west of the Loop, the trail starts at Brookfield Woods, next to the Brookfield Zoo, and follows Salt Creek for 7.2 miles, terminating in the Bemis Woods Forest Preserve, in Oakbrook. One thing to note is that the trail is rated for walking/hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Pets are allowed however they must be leashed at all times. What follows is a review of the trail and an in-depth guide of what you can expect if you choose to walk the Salt Creek Red Trail.
Overall Thoughts on the Salt Creek Red Trail:
Difficulty (Lower is Easier)
Amenities
Transportation & Accessibility:
Crowding:
Views & Wildlife:
Overall Rating:
Trail Difficulty
When it comes to difficulty the Red Trail isn’t a particularly challenging hike but it does have some quirks. The paved trail is flat and mostly smooth, however, it is not a loop. This means that you can easily find yourself covering more distance than planned. With a full length of about 7.2 miles one way, this can result in a long day!
With that said, it is a connector path, linked to both neighborhoods and several Cook County Forest Preserves with parking lots.
This means the trail can be split into several segments that fit your needs/wants and ability level.
Due to the nature of being a linking trail, portions of the path cross major roads. This isn’t ideal but the crossings do have crosswalks and traffic signaling for pedestrians.
Throughout the journey, there are signs and markers to keep you on the path. However, in some spots, you do need to pay attention as the route may change shape or overlap with town sidewalks.
Transportation to this Cook County Forest Preserve
When it comes to transportation and accessibility the Salt Creek Red Trail has a lot to love. This trail starts right near Brookfield Zoo, which means with some extra steps or pedals, there is easy access to this path from both the Metra- BNSF Line at the Hollywood/Zoo Stop, and Pace Bus 331. However, you aren’t tied to starting at Brookfield Woods if public transportation is your ride as there is access to the Manhien and Cermak roads, which means you can also catch the Pace Bus 322 to the trail.
As with any public transportation make sure to look into schedules before you go. Metra has a special Sunday schedule that usually offers fewer trains, and some Pace buses do not run on Sundays!
For my biking readers, Pace buses are equipped to handle bikes, and on certain days and when it’s not busy, Metra also allows bikes on the train.
You can also drive to several parking lots that connect to this trail including the Brookfield Woods and the Bemis Woods North Entrance. Again, I want to note that this trail is one-way. Pace buses do not service these lots!
Beauty & Wildlife
With the trail being a fairly easy hike and decently accessible, you are probably wondering what the catch is. And that leads us to talk about what you can expect to see on your walk.
Frankly, the scenery is nothing special. Don’t go into this hike expecting to see anything that you couldn’t find elsewhere in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin.
In addition, the trail generally lacks any notable vistas or notable photo ops.
The Trail also delivers a mediocre immersion into nature as you can often hear car noise leaking through the trees from nearby roads. In addition, the path will take you through several neighborhoods and a significant number of houses are visible from the trail.
With that being said the trail does have its bright spots. It is truly gorgeous in the fall, as the colors pop from the ‘falling’ leaves. Additionally, the Salt Creek River runs right next to you for portions of the trail.
While on the trail I walked by a doe and a buck. These deer happened to be right up close to the trail. They seemed not to be bothered by humans at all.
Again, on this trail, the wildlife is very Illinois Backyard(y.) You might spot deer, squirrels, and chipmunks to name a few.
A few notes before you walk the Salt Creek Red Trail
Amenity-wise, each Forest Preserve Entrance contained a portapotty with several of them offering picnic areas and benches. I advise taking note of these sections, as the path itself does not have park benches or places to rest along its route.
If you’re looking for an indoor restroom or a place to refill on water or Gatorade, there is a Jewel on Manhiem/Cermak Road past mile 3. You can see it right from the trail!
Overall, the trail is a great option for people who live in the surrounding neighborhoods, beginners, or experienced hikers looking for a trail that balances urban and natural elements.
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