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Kankakee Forest Preserve - Gar Creek Trails
4.4 ★★★★☆ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Kankakee, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Kankakee Forest Preserve - Gar Creek Trails' 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.
What runners say about Kankakee Forest Preserve - Gar Creek Trails
“Quiet and beautiful scenery to walk my dog in”
“Very peaceful, lots of Park benches along the trail.”
A hidden gem of Kankakee If you enjoy being in nature and taking leisurely strolls on trails, this is the place for you! The main trail is primarily gravel, but becomes cement at some point. The 0.76 mile hike leads you to an asphalt Riverfront Trail. This is where the picnic table is located.
Nice walking trail through the forest preserve. The trail in in good condition and I can see a few improvements they've done over the years. Not really much to complain about here and the trail asking the river is great.
Very peaceful, lots of Park benches along the trail. Didn't get very far but I can't wait to come back when it's a little warmer.
Love it here. So serene, tons of wildlife. Got to sit by a whole herd of deer that were laying on the edge of the trail path. Met a mother deer and her two sons as well here. I've never been somewhere that's so full of life.
Trail conditions & character
“Very peaceful, lots of Park benches along the trail.”
“While the trail itself is short, it combines with another trail that is paved and goes along the river, but I prefer staying on this trail before it connects.”
“Edit: 10/29/2024 They are currently making improvements to at least the parking area at the trail head.”
“Well maintained walking trails with mixed surface of fine gravel and tarmac.”
Plan your run at Kankakee Forest Preserve - Gar Creek Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Kankakee
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
