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Deer Run Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 153 Google reviews · Running trail in Cherry Valley, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Deer Run Forest 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.
Rambling riverside prairie & forest preserve spanning 594.8 acres with hiking & horse-riding trails.
What runners say about Deer Run Forest Preserve
“Well kept trails, a well stocked and clean outhouse, and a nice picnic area overlooking the river.”
“Beautiful forest preserve with a nice variety of trails to take your dog or kids and wear them out!”
“Very peaceful and beautiful.”
A hidden gem of parks in the area. There is hardly anyone ever out here and its a great place to get in touch with nature. Its very large with path connecting to other near by parks. It offers some very nice views on the river that goes through part of the part and also has open prairie.
We had our Hobo 50/25K on a Sunday. Much of the park was under water, so we only used the part that wasn't. It's very pretty, with wide equestrian prairie path intermingled with wooded areas. Picnic area with tables, but no shelter.
Nice mixture of sunny prairie and shaded wooded areas with sneak peeks of the river
This place seemed beautiful even though we did not see any water. We used the first trail at the entrance. We used several types of bug spray but after 20 minutes we gave up. This will be an interesting place to choose to revisit in a future time when the mosquitos re not so thick. They were literally swarming.
Trail conditions & character
“It offers some very nice views on the river that goes through part of the part and also has open prairie.”
“Horses allowed with horse trailer parking available (no cost).”
“Nice mixture of sunny prairie and shaded wooded areas with sneak peeks of the river”
“Beautiful forest preserve with a nice variety of trails to take your dog or kids and wear them out!”
“Lots of hiking trails and plenty of variety, although it's mostly flat, naturally.”
Plan your run at Deer Run Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitewinnebagoforest.org
- Phone+1 815-877-6100
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Cherry Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Oak Ridge Forest Preserve
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Nature preserve with walking and equestrian trails, picnic tables, and a restroom.
Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve
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Tranquil park featuring trails, boating and river views.
Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 558 reviews
Sprawling natural area with hiking trails, picnic tables, ball fields & a playground.
Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve
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Wooded preserve for picnics featuring the Kishwaukee River, plus hiking and fishing.
Baumann Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,043 reviews
Community venue bordered by the Kishwaukee River & containing a lake with fishing.