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Blackberry Nature Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Running trail in Sesser, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Blackberry Nature Trail'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 Blackberry Nature Trail
“I am leaving this review in the hopes that the Army Corps of Engineers will clean up the path.”
“Great hiking trail, if you’re looking for a easy hike.”
Short easy trail to do by yourself or with children. Lots of trees to check out and fungus. There is a water treatment facility near the trail so that was a little odd, but it lent a slightly eery vibe to the trail. There was a hornet's nest near the trail so be wary of things like that.
I loved the ease of this trail - especially for kids. I am sad it’s not being kept up. I’ve been once several years ago and it looks like no one has been keeping the paths, creek beds, bridges maintained for a few years (at least). It was still a nice walk and I’d take our small kids again.
Very wide trails and there are 2 more trails that loop off of blackberry. Pine loop flat trail mostly in pine trees that is 4-5 tenths of a mile and the longer gobbler loop that is a mile long. Little hilly but not big hills. The trails can be accessed from the bike trail or rend city road. Paved parking.
Good short, easy trail for the kids to enjoy. Wildlife may be scarce depending on when you go, but still lots of trees and the markers pointing things out are neat.
Trail conditions & character
“Small hills and open well maintained trail”
“Very wide trails and there are 2 more trails that loop off of blackberry.”
“Wildlife may be scarce depending on when you go, but still lots of trees and the markers pointing things out are neat.”
Plan your run at Blackberry Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 618-724-2493
Running trails near Sesser
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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