Palos Forest Preserves

Palos Forest Preserves is part of the Cook County Forest Preserve District, covering thousands of acres of woodland and trail systems in the southwest suburbs. With a 4.2 rating from 13 reviewers, the preserves offer a genuinely natural outdoor experience that's surprisingly close to one of the country's largest cities. The Palos area is well known among Chicago-area trail users for its hilly, wooded terrain, which is unusual for the otherwise flat Illinois landscape. Horseback riding is one of several activities available here alongside hiking and mountain biking, making it a multi-use destination.

Palos Forest Preserves maintains dedicated equestrian trails that wind through forested terrain, giving riders a scenic and physically engaging route that feels far removed from suburban life. Hikers can access an extensive network of marked paths ranging from easy flat walks to more challenging routes through the Palos hills. Mountain biking is also a major draw, with trails that attract serious cyclists looking for natural obstacles and elevation changes that are rare in the Chicago metro area. The horseback riding experience here is trail-focused rather than lesson-based, meaning it's best suited for riders who already own or have access to a horse.

Palos Forest Preserves serves outdoor enthusiasts throughout Cook County and the southwest Chicago suburbs, including Palos Hills, Palos Heights, Orland Park, Tinley Park, and Lemont. The preserve system is also easily accessible for residents of Will County and DuPage County looking for trail riding or hiking within the greater Chicago region.