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Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 87 Google reviews · Running trail in Sycamore, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Burlington Prairie 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.
35-acre parcel with virgin prairie & wetland areas, plus horseback riding, biking & walking trails.
What runners say about Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve
The North sector has the Bison, which is absolutely amazing, and the South contains the largest remnant prairie in Kane County (at least under public ownership). The biodiversity in the remnant tallgrass area is amazing. Go in the warmer seasons for that hike.
I wish every county was like Kane county. There are so many different forest preserves. This one is neat in that you drive somewhere between a quarter and a half mile back over a hill before you park in the middle of a field. It's a bit isolating without having to hike for it.
Great place for a walk. Lots of mosquitoes in the summer. Not many visitors.
A very nice place to visit. They have five Buffalo including a baby. Nice place to picnic. Washrooms and parking good. Hiking trails. Not busy during week.
Trail conditions & character
“There is an out and back trail (North side)so ignore the Forest Preserve maps that its a loop.”
“The parking capacity needs to be expanded but I hear that is in the works.”
“On the plus side, the insanely flat, crushed limestone path made for a nice and easy jog around the preserve.”
“Very nice place with Bison and a picnic shelter with bathroom.”
Plan your run at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitekaneforest.com
- Phone(630) 232-1242
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Sycamore
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bruce Ream Memorial Park
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Wetzel Park
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Low-key playground and park for tennis and basketball players, plus kids' swings, slides and a rubber-surfaced area.
Sycamore Forest Preserve
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Park with trails, a pond, and picnic areas suitable for kids.