Home › Illinois › Strasburg › Hidden Springs State Forest
Hidden Springs State Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 133 Google reviews · Running trail in Strasburg, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Hidden Springs State Forest'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.
Secluded and tranquil outdoor area featuring ponds, playgrounds, camping spots and trails.
What runners say about Hidden Springs State Forest
“Beautiful forest full of well kept trails, fishing ponds, camping, and I don't even know what else!”
“Nationally acclaimed Firefly Bar and grill, fresh onsite garden, beautiful views, huge indoor and outdoor dinning.”
“This is a really peaceful place to get out and enjoy nature.”
Was impressed by this little park. Nice playground, lake, and pavilion in the day use area. Trail in parts was a nice single track, and in others, it was probably an old logging road. But, a nice area to stretch the legs
Went the Rocky spring trail. The hike was a great 2.5 mile hike. Very easy and it would even be a good off road bike trail. Tried to go see the Big Tree at the Big Tree trail but it roped off so not sure if the tree is still there.
Secluded. Off the beaten path. Campground host was great. Has two sections, first section more opened with playground in center, other section more wooded. Has pit toilets, no AC, some pull in sites. First section is better suited for tent camping has many grassy areas. We had a great time here. Nice and quiet.
I absolutely love coming here... they have numerous trails to explore and a couple ponds to fish if they aren't dried up and a playground area that is handicap accessible which is an amazing feature ... do not pass this place up.. never busy and a great place to get some peace
Trail conditions & character
“Nationally acclaimed Firefly Bar and grill, fresh onsite garden, beautiful views, huge indoor and outdoor dinning.”
“This is a really peaceful place to get out and enjoy nature.”
“Trail in parts was a nice single track, and in others, it was probably an old logging road.”
Plan your run at Hidden Springs State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone(217) 644-3091
- 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 Strasburg
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Big Tree Nature Trail
3.1 ★★★☆☆ 13 reviews
Lake Sara Beach Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 5 reviews
Eagle Creek State Park Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 168 reviews
Wooded, lakefront recreation area offering hunting, fishing & camping, plus a golf course & resort.
Effingham TREC Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 62 reviews
Park with paved trails that wind through meadows and woods, over bridges, and alongside rivers.
Evergreen Hollow Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 191 reviews
Recreational park featuring a playground, picnic tables, tennis court, baseball field, and mini-golf.
Effingham City Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 93 reviews
Playgrounds and trails in a 30-acre park featuring a disc golf course, baseball and tennis facilities.