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Busey Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 269 Google reviews · Running trail in Urbana, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Busey Woods' 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.
59-acres of native woodland with a raised boardwalk to view the birdlife & wildflowers.
What runners say about Busey Woods
“It's a beautiful place to walk the trail or just hangout in the woods in the middle of the city amazing!”
“Great spot to have a peaceful walk surrounded by the nature - wooden trails path, bridges, fall colors.”
“Great easy hike, over half of the trail is planked so those in scooters or wheelchairs will be able to navigate and enjoy the trails too!”
Beautiful place to go for a walk along the trails amidst nature. This place always gives me a feel of the presence in close proximity with nature and forest. However, the trails are quite short. I believe this could be a really plus point to take kids for short hiking there. Also, this is a dog friendly area.
To get here, go to the Anita Purves Nature Center and park at the lot, then follow signs for the boardwalk. It’s very short and very easy. I’d recommend going off the boardwalk and head to the dirt paths. Even so, this is a very easy walk (I wouldn’t call it a hike) and it’s really quiet, with wildlife!
Beautiful, clean, relaxing, fun! There are bathrooms in the facility, a mini free library, a board walk into the woods, lots of birds, squirrels, mushrooms, cool beetles, hiking paths, wildlife.
Was a cute magical walk and saw many different animals within the first 30 minutes of walking. Saw a couple pairs of Mallard ducks. Very enchanting
Trail conditions & character
“If you like walks in the woods it's a lot of fun and has a boardwalk that is well maintained if you don't want to futz with uneven footing.”
“It's a beautiful place to walk the trail or just hangout in the woods in the middle of the city amazing!”
“Great spot to have a peaceful walk surrounded by the nature - wooden trails path, bridges, fall colors.”
“There are bathrooms in the facility, a mini free library, a board walk into the woods, lots of birds, squirrels, mushrooms, cool beetles, hiking paths, wildlife.”
“Plenty of parking spots in front of the nature center.”
“Great easy hike, over half of the trail is planked so those in scooters or wheelchairs will be able to navigate and enjoy the trails too!”
Plan your run at Busey Woods
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
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteurbanaparks.org
- Phone+1 217-384-4062
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–5 pm |
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