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McClaughry Springs Woods
4.9 ★★★★★ 150 Google reviews · Running trail in Palos Park, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from McClaughry Springs Woods' 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 trail system featuring a ravine and small creek amid hills and woods with picnic tables and birding opportunities.
What runners say about McClaughry Springs Woods
“Nice little bridge over the creek and nicely maintained, gravel pathways through the woods.”
“Very and beautiful place to take the stress out for the busy and stressful people strongly recommend.”
“Trails are great, Creek is so serene when it's low and so exciting when it's high.”
Very unique environment,for birds, damsel flies, flowers,plants,trees. Trails are great, Creek is so serene when it's low and so exciting when it's high.really worth a👁️👁️🌈🌅🌈🌄🌈🏞️🦅🦆🦉🌃🌈🕊️🌈
This is the place to be. Great running paths and beautiful scenic views.
The winding road down Kean is my favorite street ever. The woods here have the most beautiful trees in the autumn. The trails for hiking give you options from well worn to need a little bushwhacking along the way. The people Ive met here have all been friendly, many people walk their dogs along the trails.
There's tons of trails in this area, and have explored most. If your looking for a long walk or a nice short walk this is a good place to park. There is a stone bridge with a beautiful creek right nearby.
Trail conditions & character
“Very and beautiful place to take the stress out for the busy and stressful people strongly recommend.”
“Past the bridge if you go left it's a very steep hill, if you go right it goes along the creek for a bit then take another left and it goes along the lower part of the hill.”
“Small parking area; can start the yellow trail here, do the stairs by the Swallow Cliff and back for a good 4-5 mile hike with elevation.”
“Small parking area; can start the yellow trail here, do the stairs by the Swallow Cliff and back for a good 4-5 mile hike with elevation.”
“Trails are great, Creek is so serene when it's low and so exciting when it's high.”
“The trail was gravel, we were able to push a stroller on it though some of the hills were a big challenging.”
“The people Ive met here have all been friendly, many people walk their dogs along the trails.”
“No bathrooms or BBQ areas but few picnic tables in the parking lot.”
“The trail was gravel, we were able to push a stroller on it though some of the hills were a big challenging.”
Plan your run at McClaughry Springs Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–6 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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