HomeIllinoisDecatur › Fort Daniel Conservation Area

Fort Daniel Conservation Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 115 Google reviews · Running trail in Decatur, Illinois · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
75 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Fort Daniel Conservation Area'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.

75 miScenicStroller / ADAQuiet

Lush park featuring miles of trails along with picnic tables, a playground and a pavilion.

What runners say about Fort Daniel Conservation Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (115 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“Kudos to Macon County Conservation, well maintained trails and picnic area.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Beautiful park with many long winding trails and lots of wildlife to view in nature.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“More of a rugged trail but quiet and peaceful out here”

Oh, you won't believe how amazing Fort Daniels Conservation Area is! It's like stepping into a whole new world of nature. The trails are so inviting, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. You'll be surrounded by lush greenery and tranquility.

★★★★★ — Caleb , Dec 2023

Only got to briefly stop here, but it was a very nice stop. Quiet and picturesque. I got to run down a trail shortly that went along a large creek. Very relaxing and can't wait to return to fully explore and relax!

★★★★☆ — Damon , Sep 2025

Beautiful park with many long winding trails and lots of wildlife to view in nature. Very well kept up & very relaxing!

★★★★☆ — B. , Dec 2019

Very nice patch of woods with a couple of miles of trails, including a paved trail for wheelchairs or strollers. A pleasant place for a morning walk. I was with a fast paced hiking group and want to go back for a chance to slow down, identify trees, look for wildlife, and take some pictures.

★★★★☆ — Jackie , Aug 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 115 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“Beautiful park with many long winding trails and lots of wildlife to view in nature.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“More of a rugged trail but quiet and peaceful out here”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“Very nice patch of woods with a couple of miles of trails, including a paved trail for wheelchairs or strollers.”

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

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Plan your run at Fort Daniel Conservation Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • Distance75 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.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Trail mapOfficial trail map
  • Websitemaconcountyconservation.org
  • Phone(217) 791-9596
  • Social Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–6 PM
Thursday 7 AM–6 PM
Friday 7 AM–6 PM
Saturday 7 AM–6 PM
Sunday 7 AM–6 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Fort Daniel Conservation Area

4975 Fort Daniel Rd, Decatur, IL 62521

Get directions

Running trails near Decatur

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Spitler Woods State Natural Area

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Paved, looping trail and multiple other trails winding through a forested area featuring playgrounds, a basketball court and picnic tables.

1.4 miles away

Corman Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 59 reviews

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Kid-friendly park with playgrounds, pavilions and a walking trail.

2.5 miles away

Sportsmans Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 70 reviews

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Tranquil lake destination offering fishing, boating and kayaking, as well as walking trails.

4.0 miles away

Nelson Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,092 reviews

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LitScenic

Spacious city park with a covered pavilion & access to Scovill Zoo & the lake shore.

6.1 miles away

Sand Creek Conservation Area

4.8 ★★★★★ 113 reviews

Decatur, IL

5 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

Heavily wooded reserve with meadows, streams, footbridges and 8 miles of trails for hiking and riding horses.

6.4 miles away

Lincoln Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 99 reviews

Decatur, IL

Scenic

8.1 miles away

All running trails in Decatur, IL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.