Home › Illinois › Willowbrook › Columbia Woods
Columbia Woods
4.5 ★★★★★ 142 Google reviews · Running trail in Willowbrook, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Columbia 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.
Peaceful, dog-friendly wooded area with a riverbank for anglers, as well as bike trails.
What runners say about Columbia Woods
Often ride bikes here. Easy enough to get to the trail entrance for Centennial Trail by biking through Burr Ridge or there is lots of parking here at Columbia Woods. There is a gas station right around the corner for snacks/drinks before you go into the preserve or go on a ride.
Bikes, fishing, runners, walkers, all welcome here. Two porta potties (one at each end of parking) ... From here its 4 miles 1/2 shaded, 1/2 sun , to an intersection where you can jump to multiple trails or continue on towards Romeoville, or even joliet steel mills.
Decent place for live bait fishing easy access to centennial trail if you're looking to ride down it on your bike I would not eat the fish from here though
Went for a run and it was a great trail for this purpose. Bikers also frequent this area.
Trail conditions & character
“Easy enough to get to the trail entrance for Centennial Trail by biking through Burr Ridge or there is lots of parking here at Columbia Woods.”
“The trail on the west side of the canal is recently paved and excellent cycling for 12 miles until south of Romeoville road, then mostly crushed limestone to Joliet.”
“Main pluses: ~ Views of river Des Plaines😍 ~ Recycle bins in the shelter area 👍 Overall very good experience there, only one minus for me was sometimes noise from passing trains.”
“I would suggest that the add additional porta potties and also add more benches near the water for families to enjoy.”
Plan your run at Columbia Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone(800) 870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Willowbrook
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Centennial Bike Trail -- Columbia Woods Trailhead
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Willow Springs Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 278 reviews
Forest preserve popular for its multi-use trails offers year-round outdoor recreation.
Maple Lake East - Mountain Bike Staging Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 202 reviews
Large preserve featuring a lake for activities and picnic areas, along with biking and walking trails.
Country Lane Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
Free-admission picnic area with trails amid forest preserves.