HomeIllinoisCarbondale › Green Earth Chautauqua Bottoms (David Kenney Trailhead)

Green Earth Chautauqua Bottoms (David Kenney Trailhead)

4.6 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Running trail in Carbondale, Illinois · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Crushed gravel
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Green Earth Chautauqua Bottoms (David Kenney Trailhead)'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.

Crushed gravelFlat & fastQuiet

What runners say about Green Earth Chautauqua Bottoms (David Kenney Trailhead)

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (37 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“"Paw Paw trail" :) Many pawpaw trees and Black Walnut trees along this beautiful trail !”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Really pretty and peaceful for being right smack in the middle of town.”

Beautiful hiking spot! Went for an evening walk and stumbled across a deer and a ton of rabbits. Gravel paths were level and made the walk less strenuous. The various bridges were a fun surprise.

★★★★★ — Damian , Jun 2024

Really pretty and peaceful for being right smack in the middle of town. Has lots of variety especially for how small it is. Part if the trail was under construction but it was still a great hike and will probably be even better once they are done. The large bridge, the river walk, and the bottoms were awesome.

★★★★★ — Dacon , Oct 2019

Very nice level gravel path. Twisting along a stream bank. Lots of trees and nature to observe. Not too long or too hard for us old folks.

★★★★★ — Kathleen , Nov 2021

As you see cool trail, in some trees you might find a tag telling you about it. Also i had the chance to meet that little guy

★★★★★ — Ahmad , Jun 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 37 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.

🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone 3 mentions

“Gravel paths were level and made the walk less strenuous.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Really pretty and peaceful for being right smack in the middle of town.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Gravel paths were level and made the walk less strenuous.”

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Plan your run at Green Earth Chautauqua Bottoms (David Kenney Trailhead)

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
  • 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.
  • Websitecpkd.org
  • Phone+1 618-201-3774
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Green Earth Chautauqua Bottoms (David Kenney Trailhead)

2127 W Meadow Ln, Carbondale, IL 62901

Get directions

Running trails near Carbondale

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

Chautauqua Bottoms (Freeman Street Trailhead)

4.7 ★★★★★ 60 reviews

Carbondale, IL

Scenic

Nature preserve with trails for walking, jogging, and biking, plus seasonal wildflowers.

under a mile away

Green Earth Oakland Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 67 reviews

Carbondale, IL

Scenic

Pet-friendly spot with a few short trails winding through the woods, plus an annual pumpkin glow event.

1.5 miles away

Green Earth's - Brush Hill Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 57 reviews

Carbondale, IL

5 miLoopScenic

Natural preserve on the edge of town offering a short, well-maintained trail through a forest.

2.8 miles away

Green Earth's Fernlands Nature Preserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 29 reviews

Carbondale, IL

LoopNatural surfaceDog-friendly

2.9 miles away

Cannon Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 361 reviews

Carterville, IL

Dog-friendly

8.8 miles away

Rocky Bluff Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 162 reviews

Makanda, IL

2 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

Loop trail with a waterfall, wildflowers, and river views, varying in difficulty from easy to challenging.

10.0 miles away

All running trails in Carbondale, 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.