Paul Douglas Preserve — Attraction in Palatine Township

This is a nice piece of land but the trail was poorly planned and my bike trip there was a disappointment. The trail is cut around the perimeter right next to the surrounding roads so all you hear is annoying road noise. If you wanted to ride along a roadside why bother going to a forest preserve? The path should have been built about 100 yards further in away from passing cars so you might hear a bird or two. There is a nice little lake/pond just north of the parking area that might be a good spot to observe wetlands water foul but there is no access to it - not even a gravel path. On the day that I went the southwest corner was closed for construction but there wasn't even a post-it note at the trail entrance to let you know about it. So I had to turn around and head back the way I came. Will not...

This is a nice preserve, plenty of parking and fairly well kept. I bring my dog over here ocassionally during lunches since I work close by. Unfortunately for the last few years, every time he's picked up tics during our walk. We even stay in the short grass along the path, or right next to the parking lot, but it hasn't helped. Seems like they're getting worse every year.Just something to keep in mind, not just for yourself, but especially if you have your...

Great trail system! I’ve ridden here twice now and really enjoyed it. The trails are long, provide a solid workout, and are beginner friendly overall. My only downsides are that many of the fun downhills are cut short by sharp turns into uphills, which kills your momentum, and I think a hardtail suits this place better than a full suspension because of all the climbing. Still, definitely worth...