Trail uses include hiking/walking, bicycling, equestrian, and even winter cross country skiing and snowmobiling (conditions permitting).

[3] Much of the Des Plaines River Trail runs through a protected corridor made up of a series of public lands that are part of the Lake County Forest Preserve District and the Cook County Forest Preserve District.

In these ecosystems are many varieties of trees, tall grasses and wildflowers, creating a rich abundance of plant life.

When traveling along the trail during warmer months, hikers should take proper preventative measures for mosquitoes and ticks.

Most of the river and its tributaries are subject to runoff/drainage as well as heavy usage by local wildfowl, which may cause chemical and/or bacterial contamination.