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Carl R. Hansen Woods
4.5 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · Running trail in Elgin, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 8.9 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Carl R. Hansen 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.
Hiker, biker and dog-walker favorite featuring forests, prairie and trails.
What runners say about Carl R. Hansen Woods
“Take a walk and admire the expansive prairie vistas and beautiful forested areas.”
Loved this trail, a loop from the parking lot is about 2 miles and a bunch of deer were around too
Very peaceful well maintained clean natural retreat. Did my morning walk here spotted a dear.
Beautiful walking trails and so peaceful! A great place to get in touch with nature.
This part of the larger nature preserve has forest, wetland, and prairie areas. Trails are wide with a few narrow side trails. The biodiversity looks healthy, trees are not super densely packed and the ground flora is rich.
Trail conditions & character
“Take a walk and admire the expansive prairie vistas and beautiful forested areas.”
“I've taken my dog here a few times to hike the trails (some mowed grass, some peat gravel).”
“Neat little park, though there are always an inordinate number of people loitering in the parking lot.”
“9 mi paved trail, now I only go here for walks.”
“Nice trails (they're a mix of mowed and gravel), plenty of space to tire yourself and your pups out”
“Loved this trail, a loop from the parking lot is about 2 miles and a bunch of deer were around too”
Plan your run at Carl R. Hansen 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
- Loop distance8.9 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- 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.
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone(800) 870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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