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Hadley Valley - Gougar Road Access
4.6 ★★★★★ 355 Google reviews · Running trail in Joliet, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Hadley Valley - Gougar Road Access' 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.
726-acre nature preserve with wildlife & a multi-use trail, plus a picnic shelter & trailer parking.
What runners say about Hadley Valley - Gougar Road Access
“Otherwise well maintained gently rolling crushed limestone trail.”
“I came after they control burned the area but it's still beautiful and I know once summer comes it'll be gorgeous.”
“Nothing like a morning walk there, is peaceful , all alon with the scent of the flowers, makes a great place to visit for walking and relaxing.”
“Nice scenery and a low grade, easy walk.”
Very serene trail! Wide open, no shade. Gravel trail. I would say stroller friendly on a very dry day. If it's wet there is no way. I came after they control burned the area but it's still beautiful and I know once summer comes it'll be gorgeous. Not a crowded trail. You might catch some horses as well.
Loved this! Nothing like a morning walk there, is peaceful , all alon with the scent of the flowers, makes a great place to visit for walking and relaxing.
Full sun, gravel trail. Beautiful wild grass with a serene view. Has a covered picnic area for about 15+ people. Great trail for beginners as the elevation is very slight.
Beautiful trail. Clean and well kept. Several benches to rest. Great for walking the dog. Please clean up after your pet and keep this gem awesome.
Trail conditions & character
“I came after they control burned the area but it's still beautiful and I know once summer comes it'll be gorgeous.”
“Otherwise well maintained gently rolling crushed limestone trail.”
“I walked the loop and even stopped at the gas n wash nearby for a treat before getting back to the parking lot.”
“If you walk clockwise on the trail, there is a big climb at the end of the loop, back up to the Gougar Road parking area.”
“This entrance has ample parking, a restroom and a covered picnic pavilion.”
“My only issue with this location is there is a farm adjacent to it and the owner's dogs run free into Hadley.”
“Nothing like a morning walk there, is peaceful , all alon with the scent of the flowers, makes a great place to visit for walking and relaxing.”
Plan your run at Hadley Valley - Gougar Road Access
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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitereconnectwithnature.org
- Phone(815) 727-8700
Running trails near Joliet
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hadley Valley - Route 6 Access
4.6 ★★★★★ 112 reviews
Biking, walking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing & snowshoeing in a protected landscape.
Pilcher Park Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 828 reviews
Nature center with displays about local wildlife, picnic grounds & extensive hiking/biking trails.
