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Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 199 Google reviews · Running trail in Willow Springs, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Cranberry Slough Nature 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.
Unspoilt glacial peat bog & woodland conservation area spanning 372-acres with 35 miles of trails.
What runners say about Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve
“The area was very beautiful it was just a short walk from large parking lot with plenty of parking.”
“The signs for the trails are pretty easy to follow for the most part, but the maps don't really all make clear where you are currently.”
The area was very beautiful it was just a short walk from large parking lot with plenty of parking. The signs for the trails are pretty easy to follow for the most part, but the maps don't really all make clear where you are currently. And, some of the maps have been scratched or vandalized so they are harder to read.
I take my dog in a walk here frequently. The paths cut through beautiful forests and around scenic sloughs. The nearly 5 mile Country Lane Path provides a great exercise retreat or outing for you, your family, or pup or trail horse.
Plenty of nature here! Paths were clear and brush was cleared on the sides of the path if you have a dog. The wildflowers were beautiful . I couldn't find poison ivy so there is slot of unseen maintenance occuring here from the timbers stretched across the mud to the paths being nicely leveled.
Sanctuary. Not a lot to say about this place - it is a sanctuary for me and my girlfriend. We come to relax, walk, take in the quiet of nature, take in the water activity or just the respectful peace between us both. Can be physically rejuvenating or reflectively interesting, as nature always is.
Trail conditions & character
“The area was very beautiful it was just a short walk from large parking lot with plenty of parking.”
“The nearly 5 mile Country Lane Path provides a great exercise retreat or outing for you, your family, or pup or trail horse.”
“The area was very beautiful it was just a short walk from large parking lot with plenty of parking.”
“Paths were clear and brush was cleared on the sides of the path if you have a dog.”
Plan your run at Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Distance5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — 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+1 800-870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Willow Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Country Lane Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
Free-admission picnic area with trails amid forest preserves.
Spears Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 213 reviews
This scenic park has trails for hikers, bikers & horses through wetlands & woods, plus picnic spots.
Hidden Pond Woods
4.5 ★★★★★ 115 reviews
Park featuring woods, trails, horse riding, deer and a pond.
Pioneer Woods
4.6 ★★★★★ 176 reviews
Large wooded preserve with picnic groves & trails for hiking & mountain biking.