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Douglas-Hart Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 468 Google reviews · Running trail in Mattoon, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Douglas-Hart Nature Center'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.
Informal park with a playground, trails, a visitor center and ponds featuring turtles and birds.
What runners say about Douglas-Hart Nature Center
“The turtles are out in full effect most turtles I've seen in one spot in my life the trails are clean and the parks are well maintained”
“It is a beautiful place to enjoy.”
I hadn’t visited Douglas-Hart Nature Center in years but I was pleasantly surprised to see all the new updates! The trails are kept immaculate. It was a great morning last Saturday to take my dog for a walk on the trails.
I hadn't visited Douglas Hart for many years. I was very impressed with everything they had done. The trails are beautiful. There is a small playground and an outdoor learning center for all of their wonderful summer programs and their regular activities and education programs they have throughout the year.
We had a great time at The Douglas-Hart Nature Center. We loved the trails and the ponds. We enjoyed feeding the fish. The Mindful Moments reminders were great. We had the best fun at the zip line and the playground. The volunteers in the nature center were so polite and helpful. It is a beautiful place to enjoy.
Beautiful! Very well-maintained trail through woods and prairie that is exemplary in it's smaller space. Travelling between the different areas gives you the experience of a much longer hike in a short stroll. The variety of fauna was also surprising. Everything from hummingbirds to pheasants to dragonflies.
Trail conditions & character
Plan your run at Douglas-Hart Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Websitedhnature.org
- Phone(217) 235-4644
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 1–4 PM |
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