Home › Illinois › Barrington › Old Stover Trailhead
Old Stover Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Running trail in Barrington, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Old Stover Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Old Stover Trailhead
It's beautiful, sunny, and hot. But there's enough shade and breeze for a short pause and a sip of cool water. Complete solitude. There are almost always Swans relaxing in the Duckweed pond. Update: Although Stover is still beautiful, animal poop is not being picked up. Watch your step.
This trail mostly isn’t busy, with different views, wildlife and plants. But there is almost no shade and even one bench to sit for a break to observe the beauty and diversity of nature!
Small parking lot that holds about 10 cars. Crossing Palatine Rd brings you into Crabtree. Heading in the opposite direction there's a bike trail that heads towards Barrington Rd. If you keep going down 62 you can connect to Paul Douglas forest preserve.
Great place for birding, and other wildlife viewing. Many unique species can be found at this location. Love the abundance of water fowl, and migrating birds in the spring. Always a great place to have a peaceful walk.
Trail conditions & character
“Small parking lot that holds about 10 cars.”
Plan your run at Old Stover Trailhead
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 — 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.
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Barrington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Crabtree Nature Center
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Baker's Lake Nature Preserve
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Spring Lake Forest Preserve
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Huge park features grasslands, wetlands, savannas & woodlands with rugged trails & picnic areas.