The Centrail Trail Loop in Burnidge Forest Preserve, part of the Kane County Forest Preserve is a great place to start exploring this dog-friendly park. This .56-mile walk connects the parking lot to the West Trail Loop (1.47 miles) and South Loop Trail (2.23 miles). Although a smaller loop, this trail offers stand-alone or main character energy with a view of both the lake and woods that showed off their fall colors when we went in October.
Overall Thoughts on the Centrail Trail Loop:
Difficulty (Lower is Easier)
Amenities
Transportation & Accessibility:
Crowding:
Views & Wildlife:
Overall Rating:
Difficulty
The Centrail Trail Loop was an incredibly beginner-friendly paved walking path. Flat and at only 0.56 mile this path loops to and from the parking lot. There were also benches along this route to catch a rest and enjoy the beauty.
One thing to note is that overall this park had poor signage. Most of the signs are just wood markers at this point, where directions in the past may have rubbed off. However, this trail was a simple loop and as long as you continued on the paved road you were good to go! The branching-off paths were unpaved.
Transportation to Burnidge Forest Preserve
Located in Elgin, Burnidge County Forest is about an hour’s drive away from Chicago.
Although there are a few parking lots within the park, The Centrail Trail Loop is located right off of the parking lot on Burn Ridge Road.
Beauty & Wildlife
This trail takes you near the lake which felt a bit wild and overgrown with beautiful tall prairie plants and reeds.
We caught the trail during the end of peak foliage, season, and the woods were beautifully ‘dressed’ in oranges, yellows, reds, and some greens. Leaves were also starting to fall and cover the trail.
The park had thick overgrown woods and was away from car traffic. Letting you take in the sounds of nature. However, we did run into a few noisy and excited travelers on the path!
Even with some bare trees, it was still forest-heavy. Not a house in sight! It was simply nature without much human manicure. Although, this trail was paved!
Know before you go to Burnidge Forest Preserve:
This is a location where you would want to bring and wear an ample amount of bug spray! Between the lake and woods, we could picture the bugs. We were lucky enough to explore in late fall when mosquitos were not a big concern.
If you are looking for activities beyond hiking and nature walks, this park offers fishing and some trails also allow horses!
If spending a night in the great outdoors sounds fun, try it here at Paul Wolff Campsite, located in Burndige Forest Preserve. Campsites start at $12 a night for Kane County residents and $18 for non-residents. Reservations are not accepted and the site is first come first serve.
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