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Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 321 Google reviews · Running trail in Sheffield, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park'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.
Towpath along a century-old commercial waterway, popular for hiking, cycling & horseback riding.
What runners say about Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
“The bathrooms are well maintained even for outhouses.”
“What a beautiful area seen this buck crossing this bridge”
“Awesome and quiet bike and walking path along the canal.”
Awesome and quiet bike and walking path along the canal. Wife and I had an awesome peaceful bike ride along the canal. Path was very peaceful and not busy at all, we passed maybe 5 people the entire ride. Awesome place and we will be back :)
The trail and channel itself is very exposed to sun, wear sunscreen; you'll get hot quickly during the summer. Well taken care of park and very clean. Lots of fishing options. Nice hiking trails. Worth a stop again!
Great place for a walk on the old tow path. Love bringing my dog out here. Can see a variety of wildlife. Also have enjoyed many fishing trips here.
This is a good location for walking, fishing and there is a visitors center here. It has a playground for the younger kids. The bathrooms are well maintained even for outhouses. There is a shelter with a built in grill and plenty of picnic tables.
Trail conditions & character
“What a beautiful area seen this buck crossing this bridge”
“Awesome and quiet bike and walking path along the canal.”
“The bathrooms are well maintained even for outhouses.”
Plan your run at Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone(815) 454-2328
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Sheffield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Johnson Sauk Trail State Recreation Area
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Recreational spot featuring many campsites along with a lake for fishing and hiking.
Windmont Park
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Relaxed lakefront park featuring picnic tables, swings, kid-friendly play areas and sports courts.
Lawrence Park
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Hennepin Canal Feeder Bike Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 105 reviews
Canal-side trail featuring bike paths, hiking and fishing, plus wildlife watching.
Central Memorial Park
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