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Hickory Grove Highlands Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 91 Google reviews · Running trail in Cary, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Hickory Grove Highlands Conservation Area'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.
Nature preserve offers hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, fishing, and geocaching.
What runners say about Hickory Grove Highlands Conservation Area
“The facilities were clean, the weather was outstanding and I really enjoyed my time at Hickory Grove Highlands.”
“Big walking trails and gorgeous views!”
“I go here for peaceful walks :) however, for the dog-afraid please be aware that dogs are allowed to run off leash here.”
Beautiful landscape. Great for short scenic walks. Bathrooms onsite near parking. Picnic tables and garage cans available. At least 2 charcoal grills and a ground fire pit.
I took my first hike here in years on Saturday, May 10, 2025. It’s a very interesting loop with tons of wildlife and a lot of empty fields! It was great training for my trip to New Mexico next month as we prepare.
Nice scenery, good place to get away from it all. Could use less walkers on the ski tracks, mostly the ones with dogs. Generally a very nice place, conviently located near civilization.
beautiful well maintained preserves. there are several different habitats such as the swamp, prairie, and forest and they're all teeming with life! I go here for peaceful walks :) however, for the dog-afraid please be aware that dogs are allowed to run off leash here.
Trail conditions & character
“The views are breathless and there are so many different areas to explore!”
“I go here for peaceful walks :) however, for the dog-afraid please be aware that dogs are allowed to run off leash here.”
“Water for the dog and nice bathrooms, although they are pit toilets, they're quite clean.”
“I go here for peaceful walks :) however, for the dog-afraid please be aware that dogs are allowed to run off leash here.”
Plan your run at Hickory Grove Highlands Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Distance3.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- 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.
- Websitemccdistrict.org
- Phone(815) 338-6223
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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