Buffalo Creek Trail (IL)

Illinois

5 Reviews

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Buffalo Creek Trail (IL) Facts

States: Illinois
Counties: Lake
Length: 5.5 miles
Trail end points: Checker Rd & Old Hicks Rd (Long Grove) and W Lake Cook Rd & Arlington Heights Rd (Arlington Heights)
Trail surfaces: Crushed Stone, Gravel
Trail category: Greenway/Non-RT
ID: 6487072

Buffalo Creek Trail (IL) Description

Overview

The Buffalo Creek Trail makes a 5.5-mile loop around the scenic Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve in Long Grove. The crushed-gravel trail provides access to facilities throughout the park.

About the Route

Along the way, the trail passes through open prairie, over several creeks and around a large reservoir. Look for waterfowl and other wildlife that call the preserve home.

Parking and Trail Access

The Buffalo Creek Trail runs between Checker Rd & Old Hicks Rd (Long Grove), where there is parking, and W Lake Cook Rd & Arlington Heights Rd (Arlington Heights).

Parking is available at:

  • Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve parking lot, 18163 Checker Rd (Long Grove)

Visit the TrailLink map for all parking options and detailed directions.

Buffalo Creek Trail (IL) Reviews

So many textures!

I have been driving past the perimeters of this preserve for years! FINALLY went in and loved it…. Nice hills, bridges, small lakes, and a large prairie. I highly recommend!

new trails

Nice job by LCFP I’m adding new trails. Little crowded at times but overall a great new area. Hooks into long grove’s trail so you can visit downtown long grove

Good trail and getting better

Good combination of open areas and some tree lined areas. Great for birding (saw a bald eagle in the spring), with lots of Heron’s, swallows, blue birds and jays, as well as other common species. The location is getting additional trails and they are cutting down many of the non-native plants, making room for more prairies space.

Cross country skiing in Buffalo Creek

Went here today, the trail itself is beautiful. Trees, prairies, little bridges over rivers, and probably a view of the reservoir when it's not covered with snow. But the trail was not good for xc skiing, as the hikers walk everywhere and any ski tracks get demolished (the last snowfall in this area was about a week ago.) We had to cut our own tracks on top of footprints. In spite of that, we also explored the whole loop west of Schaeffer, which had only snowshoe tracks, no ski tracks. Also, the west side is mostly prairie - on a cold windy day, there would be no protection from the wind. So this might be a nice spot for a hike in the spring or fall, but not for xc skiing.

Accordion

Prairie Abounds

Hiked this trail one morning. Lots of native bird species; I bet bird watchers would love it. Some of the trail was visible from the busy roads surrounding the preserve, but most of it was well away and aside from the constant drone of traffic you could feel immersed in the environment. Wear a hat on sunny days; there isn't much shade.

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