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Hononegah Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 516 Google reviews · Running trail in Rockton, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Hononegah Forest Preserve'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.
Woodlands on the Rock River with sports fields & a boat launch, plus picnic shelters & campsites.
What runners say about Hononegah Forest Preserve
“😉 Its the season (visited in Aug), but otherwise, clean toilets, good water, and wonderful hosts!”
“Beautiful drive coming into the park, but some sites are a little close to the outer road, so if you want seclusion, be careful while picking your site.”
“It's quiet, and a relaxing treat to anyone who enters into the massive domain.”
I grew up camping here with my family and now that I'm 29 I still enjoy camping here. The hosts are very friendly and helpful. The sites are clean and spacious. Most of the other campers are courteous and have been camping here for many years. The price for wood is not bad and it's always available.
A nice area with trails that spread out in several directions. Picnic areas that are easy to drive up to. There are pit toilets which is rare for the Illinois and Wisconsin preserves around here. Plenty of wildlife and animal sign by the river.
Great hiking trails. You can go by the river too. I like to take my phone and use the "Seek" app. It identifies the plants and animals that you find while hiking.
A great little campground, the host was a pleasure as well. Kayaking and fishing off the river. Wild turkeys were right off the campsite, which gave for some pretty wild noises all night. Tent camping $13 resident $23 non resident of Winnebago county. This is a per tent fee from my understanding not per campsite.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful drive coming into the park, but some sites are a little close to the outer road, so if you want seclusion, be careful while picking your site.”
“It's quiet, and a relaxing treat to anyone who enters into the massive domain.”
“They have parking at multiple spots, and restrooms scattered about in-case of dire emergencies.”
Plan your run at Hononegah Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, water — reported by runners
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitewinnebagoforest.org
- Phone+1 815-877-6100
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Rockton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Kelley Myers Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 56 reviews
Park featuring a baseball field and playground for kids, plus picnic tables and a creek.
Robert J. Cross Memorial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Sizeable play area, with swings, slides and a baseball field, plus a playground.
William & Gayle Keefer Nature Reserve
4 ★★★★☆ 1 reviews
Riverside Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 110 reviews
Tranquil greenspace featuring the Rock River for fishing and boating.
