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Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 102 Google reviews · Running trail in Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 1.4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fults Hill Prairie 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.
Fossil-rich bluff features trails with sweeping vistas, steep inclines and wooden staircases.
What runners say about Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve
“It’s a tremendously gorgeous view of a 50 mile stretch of the Mississippi River and of you can make the climb the views will reward you!”
It’s a steep uphill climb for a good 300 feet up so be prepared but once you’re up top of the bluff the views into the flood plain are amazing. It’s a tremendously gorgeous view of a 50 mile stretch of the Mississippi River and of you can make the climb the views will reward you!
It's a short trail. But the views from the top of the bluffs are excellent. Be prepared, this trail starts with 200+ ft assecent by stairs to start. And the descent at the end is the same distance without stairs. That gives the trail a little physical challenge.
The initial climb from the parking lot is steep, but the views from the rocky outcroppings on the bluffs make it all worth while! TIP: Take the wooden staircase from the parking lot to save the best for last! Walking in that direction will save the most scenic overlooks for the last half of your hike!
Small area, but nice 1.5 mile loop trail. Despite being on the Bluffs, it has open grassland areas as well as a few nice spots on the bluff. I would suggest starting on the north side of parking and take the stairs down.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s a steep uphill climb for a good 300 feet up so be prepared but once you’re up top of the bluff the views into the flood plain are amazing.”
“It’s a steep uphill climb for a good 300 feet up so be prepared but once you’re up top of the bluff the views into the flood plain are amazing.”
“The initial climb from the parking lot is steep, but the views from the rocky outcroppings on the bluffs make it all worth while!”
Plan your run at Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance1.4 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone(618) 826-2706
- 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 Prairie Du Rocher
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 442 reviews
Hiking and walking trails along bluffs, with views of the Mississippi floodplains, plus some caves.
Sunset Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 337 reviews
Historic park with a playground, bird sanctuary & fishing, plus trails, ball fields & tennis courts.
Waterloo Park District
4.4 ★★★★☆ 58 reviews
Dog-friendly area featuring lakes, a gazebo, a playground and a skate park.