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Illinois River Bluff Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 120 Google reviews · Running trail in Peoria, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Illinois River Bluff Trail'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.
Rough, hilly hiking trail stretching 7 mi. along the Illinois River bluff from Camp Wokanda to Detweiller Park, with a tunnel under Illinois Route 6.
What runners say about Illinois River Bluff Trail
“Beautiful place to explore and learn, worth the time to read about the sites around you out there.”
“We enjoyed the thick canopy, narrow paths, elevation changes, and dirt footing (not rooty and rocks).”
“Just the right amount of difficulty to get a good workout in, but also pleasantly serene.”
I very much enjoy hiking/running on this trail. It's quiet, challenging, and beautiful. Hope it stay s that way! One of Peoria's best kept secrets. Thanks for the experience!
My favorite trail in the area. This almost 7 mile, out and back trail, begins at Camp Wokanda and ends at Detweiler Park. Jumping on at Robinson Park is also an option and cuts off about 2+ miles from the trail's length. This trail has rolling hills, with a few of them being fairly steep.
Beautiful place to explore and learn, worth the time to read about the sites around you out there. Friendly staff usually around if anyone gets injured. Trails are Easy to Moderate with some steep inclines but well crafted stairways and established trails.
Wife and I love to find new places to go for a little walk/hike and this one was awesome! We really love it here and will definitely be back. Trails are well maintained, have some steep inclines, awesome views and very peaceful. We will definitely be back :)
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place to explore and learn, worth the time to read about the sites around you out there.”
“The trails are all dirt and some areas are very steep with roots exposed so you have to walk carefully but it's definitely worth the drive out there, especially in the fall!”
“Just the right amount of difficulty to get a good workout in, but also pleasantly serene.”
“We enjoyed the thick canopy, narrow paths, elevation changes, and dirt footing (not rooty and rocks).”
“The trail we were on, “The Red Trail”, was well marked, and the landscape was beautiful!”
Plan your run at Illinois River Bluff Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- Websitepeoriaparks-planning.org
- Phone(309) 682-1200
Running trails near Peoria
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Robinson Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 210 reviews
A nature preserve makes up much of this dense 675-acre park, which also has picnic areas & trails.
Tawny Oaks Visitor Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 109 reviews
Scenic woodland featuring hiking trails, picnic tables and a visitors center.
Detweiller Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 828 reviews
This 760-acre park features a nature reserve, hiking trails, picnic shelters, sports fields & more.
Alta Rd. Trailhead Rock Island Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 137 reviews
Hiking area with picnic tables and a public restroom, where visitors can also run or bike.
Rock Island State Trail Kickapoo Creek Access
4.3 ★★★★☆ 13 reviews