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Oak Ridge Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 111 Google reviews · Running trail in Cherry Valley, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 7.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Oak Ridge 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.
Nature preserve with walking and equestrian trails, picnic tables, and a restroom.
What runners say about Oak Ridge Forest Preserve
“Well maintained paths, quiet (relative to road noise at other local forest preserves) and no heavy traffic at the time I was there.”
“The moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by beautiful oak trees, open prairie, and peaceful views of the Kishwaukee River.”
“Well maintained paths, quiet (relative to road noise at other local forest preserves) and no heavy traffic at the time I was there.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Oak Ridge Forest Preserve is one of the hidden gems of Winnebago County. The moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by beautiful oak trees, open prairie, and peaceful views of the Kishwaukee River.
I was pleasantly surprised at what a nice long hike I was able to get in here. If there was a map, I didn't see it but luckily the trails I was on looped back around eventually. True to the name, there were so many stunning oaks.
Beautiful park. The trail is wet and muddy. I trudged on in boots. The trees are majestic, but there are many wood ticks and misquitos right now. Be a gr8 place once things dry out this summer, or do you like a challenge?
This one of the less known parks in the system with nice long trails along the river and also frequented by horse riders. There is very good access to the river for kayaking.
Trail conditions & character
“The moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by beautiful oak trees, open prairie, and peaceful views of the Kishwaukee River.”
“Well maintained paths, quiet (relative to road noise at other local forest preserves) and no heavy traffic at the time I was there.”
“I wish the forest preserve workers would clear the wooded paths for hiking.”
“There are clean restroom facilities, plenty of parking, and easy access to the trails.”
“There are clean restroom facilities, plenty of parking, and easy access to the trails.”
“There is a asphalt parking lot near the entrance and other parking spaces further in.”
Plan your run at Oak Ridge Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance7.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitewinnebagoforest.org
- Phone+1 815-877-6100
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Cherry Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Deer Run Forest Preserve
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Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
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Sprawling natural area with hiking trails, picnic tables, ball fields & a playground.
Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve
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Wooded preserve for picnics featuring the Kishwaukee River, plus hiking and fishing.
Rockford Rotary Forest Preserve
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