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Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 558 Google reviews · Running trail in Rockford, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Blackhawk Springs Forest 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.
Sprawling natural area with hiking trails, picnic tables, ball fields & a playground.
What runners say about Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
“Beautiful location with awesome views of the river, nice trails, and a nice clean outhouse off the parking lot.”
“Beautiful location with awesome views of the river, nice trails, and a nice clean outhouse off the parking lot.”
One of the best forest preserves in The greater Rockford area. 🌳🍁🍂 November2022🌾🍁 Bike trails, walking trails 🏃🏼♀️🚶🏻🏃🏻♂️🧍🏼. This entrance is on South Mulford🚗 there one more on perryville🛻 both with fantastic views of the river. 🚣🏼♂️🚴🏼. Enjoy nature 🧘🏻🧘🏻♂️meditate 🕉️ Highly recommended ❤️🛶
Amazing Forest Preserve and a great place to hike! The trails are well-marked and maintained. The blue trail is paved, but the green, orange, and red trails are dirt or grass. If you prefer a more moderate hike on a dirt trail, then I recommend the red trail.
This is a fantastic spot for running or hiking. Started off on the paved bridge and cut right for the back trail loop, reconnecting to the main path for another mile, hit the end, and went back the way I came. Nice 5.55 mile jaunt. All Trails app has the preserves mapped out pretty accurately.
This is a beautiful little gem of a park. Access (via foot trail) to the river. Hiking, Biking and Fishing. Picnic tables and gazebo. Non-flushing bathrooms (but nice, not just a port-o-pott)
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful location with awesome views of the river, nice trails, and a nice clean outhouse off the parking lot.”
“Started off on the paved bridge and cut right for the back trail loop, reconnecting to the main path for another mile, hit the end, and went back the way I came.”
“Lots of walking to do lots of cool paths play ground and places to sit and have picnic and lots bathrooms”
“The entrance to the trail has a plaground, outhouse, a picinic area, and poop bags available for dog walkers.”
“Beautiful location with awesome views of the river, nice trails, and a nice clean outhouse off the parking lot.”
“Started off on the paved bridge and cut right for the back trail loop, reconnecting to the main path for another mile, hit the end, and went back the way I came.”
Plan your run at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitewinnebagoforest.org
- Phone+1 815-877-6100
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5:55 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5:55 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5:55 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 5:55 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 5:55 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 5:55 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 5:55 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Rockford
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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Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve
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