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Merritt Prairie Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 100 Google reviews · Running trail in DeKalb, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Merritt Prairie 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.
Beautiful hiking area, where dogs are permitted to roam free.
What runners say about Merritt Prairie Forest Preserve
“Lovely trails, nicely maintained, not busy, and plenty of room even if there are other people there.”
“Beautiful little trails with awesome space where dogs are allowed to free roam!”
“Some areas have no shade at all so this is better in the cooler months.”
“So peaceful and pretty to look at, gets a little busy for it’s size but still a fun mix of nature and farm land.”
My friend and I took our graduation photos here and I love it. It's super cute to take pictures or even just take a walk
Came upon this place looking for a new place to do a short trail run. Ran all the biggest loops in a half hour or so. Really hidden gem. Mix of mostly prairie with some lovely oak and pine woodlands. Lots of birds, squirrels and chipmunks. Off leash area for dogs is north of the wooded area.
This place is underrated! Lovely trails, nicely maintained, not busy, and plenty of room even if there are other people there. Shady and not shady path options. We saw deer and tons of different birds!
Small area but quiet for good quick walk. Nature all over the place, wild flowers. Seem to be well kept place. Dogs are allowed but I believe must be on leash.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful little trails with awesome space where dogs are allowed to free roam!”
“You wouldn't expect it but the northern area has a decent amount of elevation and nice views along the way.”
“So peaceful and pretty to look at, gets a little busy for it’s size but still a fun mix of nature and farm land.”
“Some areas have no shade at all so this is better in the cooler months.”
“You wouldn't expect it but the northern area has a decent amount of elevation and nice views along the way.”
Plan your run at Merritt Prairie Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitedekalbcountycvb.com
- Phone(815) 895-7191
Running trails near DeKalb
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Afton Forest Preserve
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Rotary Park
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Fishing, hiking, and walking are popular activities at this park with a native plant area.
Prairie Park
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City park in a scenic riverside setting offering bike & hike trails, disc golf & fishing access.
County Farm Woods
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Greenwood Forest, DeKalb, IL
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