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Matthiessen State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 5,838 Google reviews · Running trail in Oglesby, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Matthiessen State 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.
What runners say about Matthiessen State Park
“The trail was clean except where a few trashy people left garbage or bottles on the trails.”
“One of the paths we took was a little hard to traverse due to the water - and can only imagine how beautiful (and even more difficult) it would have been in the late Spring.”
If you can't decide whether to go to Starved Rock or here, choose here. It's worth going to both, they're right next to each other, but I personally like this park much more. It's my little secret lol.
My friend and I hiked here for the first time back in October and I can’t wait to visit again. This park has both easy and moderately difficult paths to hike. There are some section with several flights of stairs (both wooden and stone) to climb.
Great park for hiking. Bring a change of shoes if you go down into the dells as your feet will get wet, but it's worth it. A lot of cool views and not overly crowded. Upper trails are well groomed and easy to hike.
This was my first time going to Matthiessen State Park. I've been to Starved Rock many times for day trips, but didn't know this park was just as good, if not better. This time we stayed in the area for two nights and went to all the parks (Starved Rock, Buffalo Rock, and Matthiessen).
Trail conditions & character
“Starved Rock has longer trails, but takes longer to get to the waterfalls, while Matthiessen has two primary trails (upper and lower dells) with several waterfalls on each route.”
“Pack a lunch and have a picnic in the parking area and enjoy what has been given to us.”
“Starved Rock facilities are better, Matthiessen bathrooms were out of order, so just some port-o-potties and one bathroom by the lake (but no toilet paper 😞).”
“We hopped across creeks, balanced on rocks, and the dogs even had to swim a few stretches.”
“due to rain area was muddy and slippery so if you are planning to visit prepare with proper shoes and carry other necessary things.”
Plan your run at Matthiessen State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone+1 815-667-4726
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Oglesby
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Dells Canyon and Bluff Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
Pontiac Canyon
4.7 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
Outdoor space featuring hikes that's well-suited for children.
Starved Rock State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 17,508 reviews
Hiking, fishing & boating in a historic landmark area with canyons & trails plus a lodge & cabins.
