North Central DuPage Regional Trail

The Mallard Lake via North Central DuPage Regional Trail offers a delightful jogging experience, winding through a mix of paved and crushed limestone paths before reaching the serene Mallard Lake. You'll enjoy diverse scenery, from open spaces and wetlands to oak woodlands, with the 85-acre Mallard Lake providing a picturesque centerpiece. The route is a moderate 5.0-mile (8.1 km) journey with 106 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 54 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a refreshing workout.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is generally accessible and well-maintained. Parking is available, and the multi-use nature of the North Central DuPage Regional Trail means it's welcoming for various activities beyond jogging. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit to enhance your chances of spotting some of the local wildlife, especially around the lake's boardwalk sections.

This trail is a significant regional connector, linking to other major paths like the Illinois Prairie Path, which adds to its versatility. The Mallard Lake area itself is a hub of biodiversity, home to creatures like beavers, great blue herons, and various bird species, offering a rich natural experience within DuPage County. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for trails near Bloomingdale, IL, that combine natural beauty with an accessible workout.

The Mallard Lake loop offers a refreshing escape into nature, winding around the expansive 85-acre Mallard Lake. You'll jog on mostly gravel paths, interspersed with boardwalks, through a mix of open waters, wetlands, fields, and scattered woodlands. This easy 3.1-mile (4.9 km) route, with its gentle 77 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick 30-minute run, providing diverse scenery and opportunities for wildlife spotting like great blue herons and beavers.

Planning your visit to this popular trail at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve is straightforward, as it's generally accessible for joggers. The multi-use trails here also connect to a broader network, including Hawk Hollow Forest Preserve and the North Central DuPage Regional Trail, offering options for longer runs if you're feeling ambitious. It's a great choice for a relaxed outing, especially if you're looking for an easy, scenic jog without much fuss.

What makes this route particularly notable is its setting within the largest recreational lake in the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, offering excellent viewpoints. The preserve itself has a fascinating past, sitting on a ridgeline left by the Wisconsin Glacier and having served various purposes before becoming a natural haven. This history, combined with the varied terrain and abundant wildlife, makes the Mallard Lake loop a unique and rewarding experience for any jogger in Hanover Park, Illinois.