This is a clean, open, and easy place for a hike. It's not particularly woodsie but the lakes are lovely. Paved path. Clean bathrooms. Plenty of parking. Covered picnic area. Easy access from Butterfield & Route 53. Enter on Route 53, across from Walmart and McDonalds. There are few trees to buffer the wind, so dress warmly. Lots of dogs on the trail today. Watch your step, as not every dog-owner tidies up after their dog, but the trail is mostly clear of droppings. read more

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Hidden lake forest preserve is truly a hidden gem. Located in Downers Grove. It was a nice sunny Sunday to just get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. It was a nice escape getaway from the city life. An ideal and nice place to relax and collet your inner thoughts. While walking along the trails everyone was so friendly and welcoming. It was a breath of fresh air to be out in nature. A perfect place to jog,kayak, fish, hike, have a picnic or just come and take a scroll. Not crowded and everyone social distances themselves. I came across a few people walking with their dogs. All dogs MUST be on a lease. Really enjoyed the scenery and the water from the river and lake was calming and peaceful. read more

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve - Parks Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

If your looking for a place that is animal friendly, don't forget your leash, and has short walking path this is the place to go. We saw several people fishing, a couple different kinds of birds, and a butterflies. The only problem was the bathroom was unusable the day we went because of whoever used it before us. read more

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Hidden Lake is a quiet forest preserve located right near the Morton Arboretum. I kind of hoped I could sneak into the Arboretum from here, but my visit was brief (and on a foggy morning), so I couldn't really walk too far along the path to see if it really did lead into the Arboretum grounds. Maps imply that you might be able to reach the Arboretum if you're in the mood for a hike. I expect there's probably a fence/gate at some point, though. Anyway. Round Meadow Lake, which sits in the middle, isn't big -- nor is it hidden. I don't quite understand why this preserve has this name (maybe it has something to do with the fact that you feel far away from the Walmart that actually sits across the street), but I don't mind the magical implications. The preserve is quiet, with some paved trails and bridges and a little stretch throung some wooded areas. The parking lot is nice and there's a shelter/bathroom, along with some picnic tables. It's not marvelous, but it isn't terrible. The preserve is too 'open' (ie: has little tree cover) for my taste, so that's why I haven't been back. However, if you're just looking for a place to walk and get some fresh air, Hidden Lake isn't a bad choice. read more

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There's freckin power lines and modern GARBAGE in the view of 1 lake the other lake is more sequestered and isolated so it's cool. So half of the 2 mile track of nature is cool. Each small lake has a trail, and both connect. I can tell there are some nice places for fishing if you're into that in the isolated lake. read more

It's a place that's quite and contains a nice walking path made out of gravel and asphalt. There's a loop that goes around a lake open area, then another loop in a forest preserve with another lake. There's also a bridge over a little creek and some places to sit and enjoy nature's beauty. I've seen dog walkers here too. If you loop around the path a couple of times you'll complete about 2-3 miles. There's a parking lot, public bathrooms (pretty clean) and some picnic tables. I would come back just to enjoy the trails. read more

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I really enjoyed bringing my lunch and eating it here. They have a nice covered pavilion and a few single picnic benches which are great if you want to come by yourself or just sit with your family. Great trails. read more

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve - Parks Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

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I really love Hidden Lake Forest Preserve. It's not too big like some of the surrounding forest preserves which make for a quick walk. There are two lakes. One lake is located in a dense area full of trees which make you feel like you are in the middle of a forest. A fence separates this part of the forest preserve from the Morton Arboretum. So you get a little taste. This one is my favorite for summer because there is so much shade. The other lake is more open with a little picnic area if you want to have a nice lunch by the water. Another nice aspect of the place is there are always tons of people. I know sometimes it can be intimidating being in a foresty area alone, but I never felt unsafe here. There are constant people and it is right by the highway. Overall, I really love taking my dog for a walk or just having a nice piece of nature to get away to. read more

I like this place. I bring my dog here around the main lake, it's about a mile around. There is an occasional coyote here, so beware if you are a dog walker. Haven't seen any aggressive coyotes here, just an old gal that likes to walk around, but your dog may want to chase after it. Dogs must be on a leash, but people do tend to give there dogs a little off leash freedom in certain spots, if there is nobody around. And yes, there IS a way to get into the arboretum, if you are determined enough, but I'm not going to post how here. If you are determined enough you can find out yourself, or perhaps get some tips from some of the hikers. read more

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve - Old coyote doing her steps around the lake. - Parks Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

This is a nice little area to walk or run. There is an exposed, non shaded path around a small 'lake' and then the hidden lake as well. Both options are about a mile a piece, which is a great easy way to track a workout. The area is scenic, and there is a nice looking bathroom and picnic area on site. The biggest con here... dog poop. There were so many land mines on the paths! Just because it's a little bit more 'naturey' here doesn't mean you don't have to clean up after your pups!!!! Don't ruin a free privilege, people! read more

Great short, flat and pretty trail. We are seniors and it was a perfect short walk to break up a long day in the car.

We love this preserve! Well maintained and a very convenient location. We normally do the northern trail and it's a nice, quick hike. We've seen a few beavers, heard howling coyotes, and there's always tons of birds to watch. With three different paths that connect, you can make your hike as long or short as you want. read more

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve - Beautiful trail for an evening hike. - Parks Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

My wife and I spoil our dog SO much! We are constantly on the hunt for different parks, forest preservers, lakes, and paths for new and exciting dog-walking adventures! Luckily, we found Hidden Lake Forest Preserve last Sunday and took our dog a new adventure! There are about 2 miles of crushed-limestone trails in a figure-8 pattern around two lakes - Eagle Lake and Round Meadow Lake. This made for a beautiful, lengthy, scenic walk. It's well paved, there's ample parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and well-kept grounds. We will definitely be back for more dog-walking adventures! read more

Nice wide gravel paths, plenty of parking. Great views of both lakes, abundant foliage and wildlife, fishing with bass, pike, Muskie and perch. One path is tree covered, the other is wide open. Bring bug spray! read more

Great little forest preserve, easy trail for the dogs and round meadow lake allows kayaks/canoes.

Really is hidden behind all these trees. Very nice. read more

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Nice gravel pathways and a pretty place to go for a walk. This was my first visit, so maybe it's not always this way, but lots of dog waste on the paths. read more

Great spot to take the dogs and go for a walk. The trails aren't too long and aren't too short. I love the little forest preserves near our home! read more

We didn't make it to the hidden lakes, but I recently enjoyed a walk around this area with some friends and my dog. The trail was nicely kept and the bathroom was very clean. We stuck to the trail (except one instance where we approached the water) but my dog ended up with two ticks. Not sure if that is usual for this spot, but I'll be extra careful next time. read more

Hidden lake contains a beautiful walking path in a figure 8-ish shape. The loop on the south end is the shady spot, while the north loop is in full sunlight. Both loops combine to be a 2 mile jaunt. There are a lot of fishermen at this location, so the water must be well-stocked. Hidden lake is right across from the Walmart on 53, but you feel miles away once inside. There are some picnic tables and even real bathrooms. The place is always fairly clean, except for the goose droppings. If you're looking for a place to get some exercise, relax and clear your mind, or fish, come on over to Hidden Lake. read more

Absolutely great forest preserve with quite a few picnic tables (some in the shade), lots of walking paths, and gorgeous, natural view to detox during a workday lunch hour. Good, basic bathroom facilities. read more

This place was a wonderful find for us. Wanted to spend some time outdoors and this was very close to where we were staying. I am in a wheelchair so was hoping the paths would be easy to navigate. All the paths were pea gravel and did not have steep grades, so I was able to navigate the one mile loop we chose with no problem, on my own power (manual wheelchair). The scenery was lush, green and beautiful. This is a fantastic place to visit! Marci Ellison (with Jim Ellison) read more

I don't understand how someone gave this place any lower than 4-5 stars as it is a forest preserve with a well paved p-lot and ample parking. The paths are a slight figure 8 as someone mentioned one is directly 100% in the sun. The other path unfortunately I hadn't had time to experience... It's a nice gravel one though that's not too rocky which makes me happy. However as the 3 star reviewer commented idk why it's called hidden lake as it isn't very hidden. Yet it seems there R many carp and fisherman galore. Very nice and up kept preserve. Would like to come back for another walk when I have the time as the loop is long enough to not get bored for at least 1-2 hours. read more

Upon arriving at Hidden Lake Forest preserve you have the option of parking in two big well paved and marked parking lots. Hidden Lake offers a variety of outdoor experiences. Hidden Lake offers fishing, kayaking, biking, walking, bird watching, picnicking, and bathrooms. To start with Hidden Lake has two big ponds for fishing and kayaking. Fishing around the lake is fun and you have the opportunity to catch a variety of different fish. Some of the different fish you can catch at Hidden Lake are bluegill, carp, catfish, and bass. Both lakes have a good amount of space to find a good place to cast a line. My favorite spot is a little patch of space around the north side of the lake. There are a few downfalls to the lake that I noticed when I visited there. First of all, fishing can be difficult around the main lake. The main lake has a variety of tall weeds. As a result of the tall weeds there are a lot of bugs and insects. There is an overgrowth of the seaweed in the main lake that makes it hard to fish. Fishing lures getting stuck in all the seaweed. Another thing you will notice is that the kayak ramp is to the left of the lake, meaning you will have to carry your kayak a good distance before being able to put it in. Once on the lake with your kayak you will enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the lake. Hidden Lake offers a wide gravel walking/biking path. My personal favorite path is the main path because while walking you get to see all the wildlife and scenic surroundings. Hope you enjoy Hidden Lake. read more