HomeIllinoisChampaign › Kaufman Park

Kaufman Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 476 Google reviews · Running trail in Champaign, Illinois · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Kaufman Park'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.

PavedRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Relaxed nature space with a paved trail running around Lake Kaufman for walking and jogging.

What runners say about Kaufman Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (476 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Nice place to walk your dogs or just stretch your legs. Right off Springfield Ave. Good place for fishing or grilling, they even have a fire pit. There is a shortcut by the railtrack that leads you to Powell Park if interested.

★★★★★ — Katharina , Aug 2021

We love walking around Kaufman Lake. Many places to fish and a paved road to walk on as you go around the lake.

★★★★★ — Dan , Jun 2023

Great place to relax, plenty of parking. It's a nice little lake right in the city. The 0.8 mile path around the lake is especially nice to walk, jog, or bike.

★★★★★ — Allen , Oct 2022

Great place for being refreshed and spending some time with family. Nice walking trails. Very calm place. Could be a great place for fishing.

★★★★★ — Md , Apr 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 476 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🛣️ Paved surface 3 mentions

“Everything is paved so walking around with that kind of gear is no problem.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 2 mentions

“There is plenty of parking and also some spots for fishing.”

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🚻 Restrooms

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Kaufman Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • Websitechampaignparks.org
  • Phone+1 217-398-2570
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 8 am–8 pm
Tuesday 8 am–8 pm
Wednesday 8 am–8 pm
Thursday 8 am–8 pm
Friday 8 am–8 pm
Saturday 8 am–8 pm
Sunday 8 am–8 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Kaufman Park

2702 W Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61822

Get directions

Running trails near Champaign

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Heritage Park

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PavedScenic

Tranquil park boasting a paved path around a small lake and a pond, as well as picnic areas.

under a mile away

Johnston Park

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Playground featuring swings and slides, as well as trails for walking and running.

under a mile away

Dodds Park

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LitDog-friendly

Community facility with a modern, lighted softball complex, playground, disc-golf course & gardens.

1.4 miles away

Robeson Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 91 reviews

Champaign, IL

Dog-friendly

City park with a playground, walking trails, and open spaces for dogs, plus a baseball field.

1.6 miles away

Sunset Ridge Park

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Boardwalk

Community area showcasing playgrounds, sports fields, grassy trails and a hill for sledding.

1.8 miles away

West Side Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 754 reviews

Champaign, IL

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Grassy outdoor activity area with a pavilion & picnic tables, plus walking paths & a water fountain.

2.2 miles away

All running trails in Champaign, IL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.