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Hawthorne Hill Nature Center
4.6 ★★★★★ 184 Google reviews · Running trail in Elgin, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Hawthorne Hill Nature Center'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.
67-acre nature center with trails, meadows & ponds for hiking & wildlife-watching any time of year.
What runners say about Hawthorne Hill Nature Center
“It's very beautiful but id definitely bring bug spray during warmer months.”
Nice little local trail. We’ve seen deer, rabbit, hawk, opossum, fox, turtle and plenty of other wildlife. The pond is covered with algae right now.
Fall season…. Surprise!! One of the best times to observe birds and obvious endemic flora and fauna This small forest gave me the opportunity to enjoy precious moments walking the trails full of trills, color ... a great place for the whole family.
Visited with my dog, she loved it! Trails are nice and wide, mostly mulched, some paved. The only issue I had was my sense of direction, and went in circles a few times. An additional sign or two could help those that get a bit turned around.
Very friendly people, nature center has a large room for kids to play and learn in, the nature center is only open on Friday and Saturday. We did a guided nature walk on a Saturday, it was informative and relaxing. We saw birds, turtles, and a frog. The trails are easy to walk and they are open every day dawn to dusk.
Trail conditions & character
Plan your run at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Websiteelginil.gov
- Phone(847) 531-7055
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10 AM–3 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–3 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
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