HomeIllinoisSt. Charles › Mount Saint Mary Park

Mount Saint Mary Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 836 Google reviews · Running trail in St. Charles, Illinois · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Mount Saint Mary 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.

PavedLoopScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Multi-use public space with an arboretum, picnic areas, fishing, a skate park & play equipment.

What runners say about Mount Saint Mary Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (836 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“You're going to love this park, wonderful views of the river and despite being right downtown it's quiet, very well maintained and peaceful.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“Came here in September and trees had a lot of reds and yellows, was able to eat downtown and then walk to this beautiful park, views of Fox River were also very enjoyable.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“You're going to love this park, wonderful views of the river and despite being right downtown it's quiet, very well maintained and peaceful.”

Very well kept spot! The park itself is beautiful for a picnic or to take a short leisurely stroll. This park connects to the Dupage River path that stretches through many cities. They have basketball/tenis courts, a playground, a skate park, a picnic shelter, as well as restrooms.

★★★★★ — B , May 2024

Located on the west bank of the Fox River in downtown St Charles is a great park. Lots of green space from trees to lawns there's ample parking, benches along the paved trails and plenty of spots to picnic.

★★★★★ — Scott , Jun 2022

This is a beautiful park, with many wonderful statues to take pictures of. We rode bikes through the park. There are nice paths for biking, walking, jogging. Leashed dogs are allowed here. There is a skate park that looked busy, plus tennis courts. There are public restrooms.

★★★★★ — Rhonda , Sep 2020

Absolutely beautiful park. They have art sculptures everywhere. The loop is about a half mile around. Every summer they bring new sculptures. Also a good place to play Pokemon Go with 5 gyms and many stops.

★★★★★ — Wats , Jul 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 836 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 12 mentions

“Came here in September and trees had a lot of reds and yellows, was able to eat downtown and then walk to this beautiful park, views of Fox River were also very enjoyable.”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

“They have basketball/tenis courts, a playground, a skate park, a picnic shelter, as well as restrooms.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Lots of green space from trees to lawns there's ample parking, benches along the paved trails and plenty of spots to picnic.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“Nice view of the river ,and lots of dog walkers”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“Stroller and accessible by wheelchair.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“You're going to love this park, wonderful views of the river and despite being right downtown it's quiet, very well maintained and peaceful.”

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🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions

“Has a loop trail if you want to add more miles to your walk.”

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🛣️ Paved surface

“Lots of green space from trees to lawns there's ample parking, benches along the paved trails and plenty of spots to picnic.”

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Plan your run at Mount Saint Mary Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitestcparks.org
  • Phone+1 630-584-1885
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5 am–9 pm
Tuesday 5 am–9 pm
Wednesday 5 am–9 pm
Thursday 5 am–9 pm
Friday 5 am–9 pm
Saturday 5 am–9 pm
Sunday 5 am–9 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Mount Saint Mary Park

St. Charles, Illinois

Get directions

Running trails near St. Charles

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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All running trails in St. Charles, IL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.