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Charter Oak Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 267 Google reviews · Running trail in Peoria, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Charter Oak Park'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.
Expansive 120-acre natural area featuring fishing piers, covered picnic facilities & hiking trails.
What runners say about Charter Oak Park
“Beautiful park especially because of the lake right next to the walking path with an abundance of lily pads and a few water lilies in blossom.”
Beautiful park especially because of the lake right next to the walking path with an abundance of lily pads and a few water lilies in blossom. Nice shade on the walking path.
Short beautiful walk, saw beaver, chipmunk, lots of plants, and cute dogs.
I enjoy taking my kids to this park. The playground is fun, albeit pretty simple, but still fun. There's a reeeeaaaalllly good trail, with a pond that has some small piers to with some nice views. You are also able to fish at this pond. A very enjoyable nature hike, as well as exercise.
Beautiful place for a relaxing walk. There's also a covered picnic area and a play area. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a nice walk in nature! It would make a nice stop for a date, to take the kids to play or to decompress on your own.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful park especially because of the lake right next to the walking path with an abundance of lily pads and a few water lilies in blossom.”
“Short beautiful walk, saw beaver, chipmunk, lots of plants, and cute dogs.”
“The short paths are paved and wide, but that doesn’t take away from the natural feel of this park.”
Plan your run at Charter Oak Park
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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitepeoriaparks.org
- Phone(309) 682-1200
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Peoria
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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