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Hessel Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,544 Google reviews · Running trail in Champaign, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Hessel 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.
A scenic path runs through this park, which boasts 50 tree species, sports courts, grills & more.
What runners say about Hessel Park
“A great park to spend the day, with free access to well-kept tennis and pickleball courts.”
“When is the most beautiful parks I’ve seen in a long time very serene comforting like you’re wrapped up in the bosom of your mother‘s room”
“A great park, with a short walking/running trail, a great play area equipped with free water splashes which was a hit in hot summer afternoon, and good family atmosphere.”
Best park in town. The very best part is non-restrictive hours! Actually open long enough that working people can enjoy it. Not sure how a park "closes" but anyway. Perfect running loop. Jot down the hill to Mattis Park and back for a 5k. Splash pad. Picnics. Pickleball, tennis and volleyball. Water fountains. Art.
♥️♥️♥️Hessel. It’s our neighborhood park so I’m bias. The playground and water play place are great for the non winter seasons. Perfect for a walk Around or a bike ride.
Great park has a walking path, toddler play area, older child play area, grills, multiple pravilions, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a splashpad.
Great Park. Beautiful, nice and clean. This park has a section to get wet also. Very clean. Plenty of benches and a great place to relax or walk.
Trail conditions & character
“Great park for kids and families, however I still do not understand why the city does not put up some lights to lit kid's playground.”
Plan your run at Hessel Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitechampaignparks.org
- Phone+1 217-398-2550
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Champaign
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Boulware Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 29 reviews
Mattis Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 241 reviews
23.8-acre park housing a trail, fishing pond & open space, plus picnic tables, benches & sculptures.
Boneyard Greenway
3.9 ★★★★☆ 15 reviews
Helms Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 133 reviews
Small, grassy park featuring a stone bridge & fountain with several waterfalls, plus a walking path.
Morrissey Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 147 reviews
Community park with a kids' playground, tennis courts, open fields & a curved walking path.
West Side Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 754 reviews
Grassy outdoor activity area with a pavilion & picnic tables, plus walking paths & a water fountain.