Nature preserves offer trails that will delight the eye. Nature preserves are given the highest degree of protection because of the rare natural treasures they contain. Find nature preserve trails at Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Nature Preserve (0.5 miles), Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve (0.4 mile), Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve (3.3 miles), Raccoon Grove Nature Preserve (0.5 mile), Messenger Woods Nature Preserve (2.5 miles), and Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve (2.5 miles).

Hiking trails are also available in virtually every forest preserve. A few of the more scenic trails are to be found at McKinley Woods (2.5 miles), Paul V. Nichols Access (3 miles), LaPorte Road Access (2.8 miles), and Homer Trails (3.2 miles).