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Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 602 Google reviews · Running trail in Beecher, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Goodenow Grove 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.
Quiet nature preserve offering picnic tables and campsites, plus trails for hiking, sledding and horseback riding.
What runners say about Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
“Wildlife is everywhere—deer, birds, butterflies—and the area is clean and well-maintained.”
“Getting out in nature and just breathing the beautiful air and listening to the peaceful sounds really does something to the human body to create a healing moment for yourself!”
“Getting out in nature and just breathing the beautiful air and listening to the peaceful sounds really does something to the human body to create a healing moment for yourself!”
We walked along beautifully maintained trails that varied between pavement, gravel and dirt trails. This is a perfect place if you need flat wide trails. Handicap are welcome here. There are picnic tables set up for wheelchair access. We did not see a speck of garbage anywhere!! The out houses are clean too.
Nice area with several walking trails. Maps show trail locations and distances. Signs include surface type and inclines. There is a small nature center. There are some pavilions for picknicing (reservations may be required). There are also camping locations.
Absolutely one of the nicest places nearby to see fall colors and rolling terrain with some surprising panoramic views. Trails don’t loop very well so take a photo of the map when you set off and be prepared to backtrack if you’re not familiar with the paths. Highly recommended.
Goodenow is easily one of my favorite places in the area to go when I want to just get out and walk, or play with my camera. When it's warm out, you can get super close to the frogs in the pond if you move slowly. The trails, nature center, and campsites are great too.
Trail conditions & character
“Getting out in nature and just breathing the beautiful air and listening to the peaceful sounds really does something to the human body to create a healing moment for yourself!”
“Hand wash station at the latrine nature center and so many handicap accessible benches and parking spots.”
“Getting out in nature and just breathing the beautiful air and listening to the peaceful sounds really does something to the human body to create a healing moment for yourself!”
“The trails are well-marked and offer a mix of terrain—open meadows, quiet forests, and scenic hills that make every hike enjoyable and refreshing.”
“Several nice gravel walking/horse trails, a nice big hill/mound for the kids to run and play on, barrel roll down, etc.”
“Small paved trail great for toddlers and strollers with a lookout at the Snapper Pond.”
Plan your run at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitereconnectwithnature.org
- Phone+1 708-946-2216
Running trails near Beecher
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Thorn Creek Trail Access
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Somonauk Park
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