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Nichols Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 102 Google reviews · Running trail in Jacksonville, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Nichols Park yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Park with a pond for fishing, a playground, and picnic shelters, plus areas for R/C racing and dog walking.
What runners say about Nichols Park
“Great fishing, nice clean & very well maintenance, plenty of shelters fir parties, bathrooms available, nice huge gazebo, picnic tables w/grills, huge kids play park.”
“A beautiful and challenging disc golf course, I can't wait to go back and play it again!”
“It is relatively quiet but there is quite a bit of traffic but I've never seen anybody going fast.”
Absolutely Beautiful. Lots of trees for shaded lounging. Large park with splash park and pool (though we did not use). Road drives completely around lake. Many shelters and screened in areas for parties or get togethers. Large new and beautiful Gazebo type shelter for weddings. Fishing areas.
The walkers share the road with traffic. A designated walking trail would be preferred. There is a lot to like, a nice playground, picnic shelters, and a fishing pond. Restrooms were available.
Overall a good experience with the equipment and room to run for the children at a birthday party. The only complaint I had was the number and locations of grills.
Trail conditions & character
“Great fishing, nice clean & very well maintenance, plenty of shelters fir parties, bathrooms available, nice huge gazebo, picnic tables w/grills, huge kids play park.”
“A beautiful and challenging disc golf course, I can't wait to go back and play it again!”
“It is relatively quiet but there is quite a bit of traffic but I've never seen anybody going fast.”
“Otherwise the fishing is not outstanding but is conveniently accessible with roadside pulloffs.”
“Has toilet facilities near playground and drinking fountain.”
Plan your run at Nichols Park
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Running trails near Jacksonville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Emma Mae Leonhard Wildlife Sanctuary
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Jacksonville Community Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 105 reviews
Lush park featuring play areas, athletic courts and open green space for picnics.
Centennial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 393 reviews
Park featuring a playground, athletic fields, and a skateboarding area, plus picnic tables.
Bike trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
