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Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Running trail in Matteson, Illinois · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Old Plank Road Prairie Nature 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.

Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve — running trail in Matteson, IL, photo 1
Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve — running trail in Matteson, IL, photo 2
Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve — running trail in Matteson, IL, photo 3
Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve — running trail in Matteson, IL, photo 4
Natural surface

What runners say about Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (22 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

This is a really pretty spot that's just about perfect in my view. The path is well-paved (other sections of the path are smooth gravel). The one place where tree roots have lifted (but not broken) the pavement is clearly marked by a construction sawhorse which does not impede use of the path.

★★★★★ — Julie , Jun 2019

This Prarie surrounds the Old Plank Road trail. It's quite lovely and a beautiful, free way to enjoy a bike ride or trail walk!

★★★★★ — Child , Feb 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 22 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.

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“The one place where tree roots have lifted (but not broken) the pavement is clearly marked by a construction sawhorse which does not impede use of the path.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • 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.

Where to find Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve

Old Plank Rd Trail, Matteson, IL 60443

Get directions

Running trails near Matteson

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Old Plank Road Trail: Harlem Ave

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

Frankfort, IL

1.3 miles away

Woodgate Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 88 reviews

Matteson, IL

Quiet, park featuring swings and slides for children, plus picnic tables.

1.9 miles away

Sauk Trail Reservoir

4.5 ★★★★★ 44 reviews

Frankfort, IL

Paved

A 242-acre nature preserve with a dry reservoir & paved 1-mi. path for biking, hiking & skating.

2.0 miles away

Glaeser Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 204 reviews

Richton Park, IL

Lit

Spacious park featuring playgrounds for kids and baseball fields, plus a pavilion.

2.1 miles away

Hunter Woods

4.5 ★★★★★ 17 reviews

Frankfort, IL

2.1 miles away

Governors Trail Park: Old Plank Trail

4 ★★★★☆ 1 reviews

Matteson, IL

2.4 miles away

All running trails in Matteson, 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.