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Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
4.7 ★★★★★ 110 Google reviews · Running trail in Rockford, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Forest Preserves of Winnebago County'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.
Natural preserve with paved trails for biking and walking plus benches and a pond.
What runners say about Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
“Beautiful area, clean and well kept trails.”
The main trail is only about a mile loop but it connects to a path that goes over to sports core so you can bike/walk farther. It's usually not too busy here with plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the views.
Nice and quiet place to walk. Sometimes it feels like your own little world since rarely do I see many people out there. It’s just off the road enough that I don’t think it draws a ton of attention. We chose to purchase a bench out here for my grandfather after he passed and recently I saw a board was broke.
Nice paved path around pond. Also a nice un-paved path through the woods. Bike path leads to Sportscore. Usually not too many people here. Great park.
Really a lovely little grove wifi a pond surrounded by trees. A very accessible pond and great trails, very highly recommended.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a good length paved trail and some unpaved too.”
“great little destination with a nice soft to sit and enjoy a view of the "lake" before heading back home!”
“There is a out building with a restroom, multiply benches to stop at, and a stand with dog bathroom disposal bags.”
“There is a out building with a restroom, multiply benches to stop at, and a stand with dog bathroom disposal bags.”
Plan your run at Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
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.
- At the trailheadrestrooms, 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 | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Rockford
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