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Barnhart Prairie Nature Preserve
5 ★★★★★ 5 Google reviews · Running trail in Urbana, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Barnhart Prairie Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Barnhart Prairie Nature Preserve
This is a surprising secret that few know of in the region. A restored prairie full to brimming with native plants that people can walk or even jog on well-mown paths. We heard pheasants calling on the last visit. Visit if you want to explore the prairie, or if all you want to do is relax & restore yourself in nature.
Excellent place to enjoy a quiet walk in restored tall grass prairie. Site has off-road parking lot. Located roughly 1 mile southeast of Urbana’s Meadowbrook Park.
Trail conditions & character
Plan your run at Barnhart Prairie Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitebarnhartprairie.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Urbana
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Meadowbrook Park
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