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Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 199 Google reviews · Running trail in Rockford, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Kishwaukee Gorge North 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.
Riverside hike in a gorge and forest that features a waterfall and a cave, plus scenic views.
What runners say about Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve
“Otherwise the preserve appears to be well maintained.”
“Very beautiful trail along the river that follows the ridge and then cuts down through the gorge!”
“Peaceful, full of new and old growth, and set next to a field I’m very excited to look for insects in come the warmer days.”
“Whole loops takes 30-40min, easy for all ages and not very busy!”
Recently they cut alot down. This summer wont be so green i bet smh. Otherwise nice little place to do a walk.
Kishwaukee Gorge North is a great preserve for an August hike. Unlike other wooded preserves, there are relatively few mosquitoes at this time but still enough to recommend bug spray. You'll find a variety of plant, bird, and bug species in the prairie, forest, and river.
So glad we came here! Very beautiful trail along the river that follows the ridge and then cuts down through the gorge! Cool stairs takes you down to the water and give you a great view from above to gorge! Whole loops takes 30-40min, easy for all ages and not very busy!
Beautiful area. Quick hike. But love to just sit down and take it all in.
Trail conditions & character
“Very beautiful trail along the river that follows the ridge and then cuts down through the gorge!”
“There are many stairs to get to the gorge and they are steep , probably not recommended if you have walking issues”
“Peaceful, full of new and old growth, and set next to a field I’m very excited to look for insects in come the warmer days.”
“Unlike other wooded preserves, there are relatively few mosquitoes at this time but still enough to recommend bug spray.”
“The prairie paths are wide mowed grass paths that begin near the car parking.”
“it's so peaceful and a perfect loop and easy run for us both!”
“Sitting on the rocky beach by the river is one of my favorite spots.”
Plan your run at Kishwaukee Gorge North Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitewinnebagoforest.org
- Phone+1 815-877-6100
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–5 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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