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Great Western Trail - St. Charles Trail Head
4.8 ★★★★★ 164 Google reviews · Running trail in St. Charles, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 17 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Great Western Trail - St. Charles Trail Head'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.
Large nature area with miles-long paths for hiking, biking and running.
What runners say about Great Western Trail - St. Charles Trail Head
“Lovely well maintained trail with plenty of shady spots interspersed with views of open farmland.”
“If you're looking for a beautiful, serene place to hike, explore, even just relax, this is a must.”
“Great way to walk, run or bike for miles while enjoying wooded and prairie views.”
“Lovely well maintained trail with plenty of shady spots interspersed with views of open farmland.”
“If you're looking for a beautiful, serene place to hike, explore, even just relax, this is a must.”
A friendly natural park. A great place to relax and a longer but undemanding walk among the wild growing nature. Hiking trails are well marked here.
If you're looking for a beautiful, serene place to hike, explore, even just relax, this is a must. It's so beautiful, the trail is clean, the creek is beautiful-- we loved it!
A most exquisite trail, been running there for years. Could use a few more turns though, not too many of those.
The Great western bike trail goes about 20 miles to the west and connects with nearby forest preserve which continues north and east for many miles, almost to Wisconsin. You can get a Kane County trail map. You can bike, walk or picnic nearby. An all around great area to relax and unwind.
Trail conditions & character
“If you're looking for a beautiful, serene place to hike, explore, even just relax, this is a must.”
“Definitely a great workout if you have a few hours and the rural and wooded scenery adds to the experience.”
“The Great western bike trail goes about 20 miles to the west and connects with nearby forest preserve which continues north and east for many miles, almost to Wisconsin.”
“Trail is crushed limestone, only 4 miles paved on the 18 mile trip to Sycamore.”
“Trail is crushed limestone, only 4 miles paved on the 18 mile trip to Sycamore.”
“Course if relatively flat except from the trailhead a slight hill, very manageable.”
“If you're looking for a beautiful, serene place to hike, explore, even just relax, this is a must.”
“Several opportunities for snack and bathroom excursions to restaurants or gas station.”
Plan your run at Great Western Trail - St. Charles Trail Head
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
- Distance17 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitetraillink.com
- Social Facebook
Running trails near St. Charles
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
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Harvest Hills Park
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Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
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Educational facility featuring live turtles, snakes and lizards among other animals.
James O. Breen Community Park
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Sprawling green space featuring soccer & football fields, garden plots, a playground & dog park.