Deer Grove Forest Preserve located in Palatine Illinois offers beautiful views of prairie, wetlands, and woods. This Cook County Forest Preserve also has several other unique and fun activities beyond the trails.
Overall Thoughts on the Deer Grove Forest Preserve Brown Trail:
Difficulty (Lower is Easier)
Amenities
Transportation & Accessibility:
Crowding:
Views & Wildlife:
Overall Rating:
Difficulty:
This path was pretty easy, however, it is unpaved. At points, I did slip a bit in muddy areas. We went in November, and there were so many leaves that hid tree roots. There is no elevation though and at 2.8 miles the loop isn’t too long. We did note that there were no park benches along the way for a rest, nor at times was there really a side to pull off for a break.
Transportation to Deer Grove Forest Preserve:
Deer Grove Forest Preserve is less than an hour away from Chicago. There was also plenty of parking available with several lots.
Unfortunately, this forest preserve does not easily connect with public transportation.
Beauty and Wildlife:
It was an Illinois marketer’s dream, Illinois nature all wrapped up together in one. Prairie, Marsh, and woods all live side by side.
Now, I’ll be upfront and honest here, the scenic views were about a mile in! Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t as if the beginning didn’t offer pretty sites. The first portion, just had a few element challenges, like being close to Dundee Road. Traffic noise faded towards the middle of the trail as the path winded farther away from the road. Office buildings and houses could be seen from the trail, especially in the earlier prairie section.
As we got deeper in, the trail began to get snugger and the plants began to reach out to us for a hug. It was in this middle section where one could truly get lost in nature. You could hear the nature too. With the noise road gone, all you had to do was listen.
Although it felt like we were one of few on the brown trail, there were several well-treaded paths that followed along or crossed ours. Every once in a while, I would catch glimpses of bikes or people standing out from the brown and golden plants.
We wandered on. The path grew and changed back to a mowed path. The traffic noise began coming back. Although the trail was a loop, to get back to the parking lot, the challenges of being conveniently close to a major road came back too.
Overall the views were pretty with the farther back segment having a few almost “wow” areas. We saw a few birds and squirrels. And from this very Illinois nature preserve there are most likely chances to see those native animals like deer.
Know Before You Go:
Check for Ticks
The brown trail did become small enough at times where you did brush up against nature. Although you should always check for ticks on this unpaved path it is important to do a thorough check.
Beyond the Trail
Model Airplane Flying Field at Deer Grove Forest Preserve
Not only did this park have ample space to fly a model airplane it also had a paved runway! The brown trail passed right by this area, so be on the lookout for model airplanes as you go by.
Shelters & Restrooms
Deer Grove Forest Preserve offers plenty of picnic benches and shelters near the parking lots. There are also porta potties located near the parking lots as well.
Once you get past the parking lots, there are few to no benches on the trail.
Camp Reinberg
If you are looking for an overnight adventure, Forest Preserves of Cook County, Camp Reinberg is located right here in Palatine near Deer Grove. This campsite offers tent sites starting at $33 per night for non-residents, RV/tent sites starting at $38 dollars a night, and small/large cabins beginning at $120.
