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Lyons Prairie and Marsh Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Running trail in Cary, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 3.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Lyons Prairie and Marsh Conservation Area'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 offering trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and fishing.
What runners say about Lyons Prairie and Marsh Conservation Area
“Beautiful wildflowers in bloom at the end of July with many butterflies, dragonflies, and bunnies.”
An amazing place to hike! Lots of incredible trees and flowers! From some parts of the trail, you can even see the Fox River. I would highly recommend going to this place if you love nature! This place ahas two names. First it is called Lyons Prairie and Marsh and the second name is Hickory Grove!
The paths are well maintained. There are nice shaded spots and others in the sun. There is a mix of grass and dirt paths. The longest loop is about 2 miles, but it's nice how the paths connect to Hickory Nut across the street for more mileage.
Beautiful paths. Explored into the woods around an old foundation of a building and found some artwork we had to take pictures with!
I took my first hike here in years on Saturday, May 10, 2025. It’s a very interesting loop with tons of wildlife and a lot of empty fields! It was great training for my trip to New Mexico next month as we prepare.
Trail conditions & character
“The longest loop is about 2 miles, but it's nice how the paths connect to Hickory Nut across the street for more mileage.”
Plan your run at Lyons Prairie and Marsh Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Loop distance3.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitemccdistrict.org
- Phone+1 815-338-6223
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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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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