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Julius J Knobeloch Woods Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 97 Google reviews · Running trail in Belleville, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 75 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Julius J Knobeloch Woods Nature 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.
Nature preserve with short, kid-friendly hiking trails and informational placards.
What runners say about Julius J Knobeloch Woods Nature Preserve
“Been to this trail before and although it’s beautiful dosent seem like it’s been maintained this season.”
“(Picture included, click on it for full image) Nice, quiet, and peaceful walk.”
We had a beautiful hike here! Even as a very not fit person, I was able to do this without pain and agony. It’s very beginner level for those wanting to start hiking more often and get fit. It’s absolutely beautiful and the scenery and creeks and variety of obstacles are wonderful.
Total length: somewhere around 1 mile. Nice easy loop trail! Good for a light stroll. Park on the side of the road, the trailhead is on the road where you park! There is a small creek to cross, it has logs for crossing!
This is a peaceful hike that did help us work up a little sweat! It's a good path for kids, whether walking or carried. Parking is not obvious; there is simply a rocky spot off the side of the road just before the trailhead. A neat little local preserve! The deer were abundant on this particular summer morning!
Short, easy nature trail with beautiful trees! Watch out for poison ivy. Park on side of road.
Trail conditions & character
“Parking is not obvious; there is simply a rocky spot off the side of the road just before the trailhead.”
“Been to this trail before and although it’s beautiful dosent seem like it’s been maintained this season.”
“There are also a few hills that you go up and down so as far as terrain difficulty I would say it's moderate.”
“The whole loop is not that long and overall not a challenging walk.”
“(Picture included, click on it for full image) Nice, quiet, and peaceful walk.”
“Always loved taking my dogs through this trail and seeing its beauty.”
“The trail has markers on it by different plants with QR codes you can scan to learn more and there are a few fun obstacles like log bridges that you can walk over.”
“Parking is not obvious; there is simply a rocky spot off the side of the road just before the trailhead.”
“There is a small water path at the lowest part of the loop that had some flat logs in a stepping stone configuration.”
Plan your run at Julius J Knobeloch Woods Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance75 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone(618) 295-2877
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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