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Red Gate Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 235 Google reviews · Running trail in Willow Springs, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Red Gate Woods' 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.
History-rich outdoor area where the world's 1st nuclear reactor was once built. Also features miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking and running.
What runners say about Red Gate Woods
“Excellent choice for bicycle, or hiking, absolutely beautiful nature around, the trails are very well done and there are maps everywhere, around every corner.”
In this area you will be able to hike about 3/4 of a mile to the site of the first nuclear reactor which is buried deep within the ground. There is one placard at the entrance to the narrow dirt path (located at the southwest end of the Red Gate Woods parking lot) that leads to the paved trail that leads to the site.
Nice place to hike around, not so nice for finding interesting plants. Did not dig up the spent housing of the nuclear reactors, but might come back. I saw a large and suspicious chunk of metal slag laying on the ground near the reactor site which I made sure to kick, and I am happy to report there are no burns on my…
This is a great mountain bike trail network. Please beware, some of the inner loops are HARDCORE mountain biking trails! If you’re not in decent shape or don’t have an actual mountain bike that can withstand the pounding, do not attempt! It is a pretty big network and it’s easy to get lost.
Excellent choice for bicycle, or hiking, absolutely beautiful nature around, the trails are very well done and there are maps everywhere, around every corner. Would go again with my bicycle next time.
Trail conditions & character
“Excellent choice for bicycle, or hiking, absolutely beautiful nature around, the trails are very well done and there are maps everywhere, around every corner.”
“There is one placard at the entrance to the narrow dirt path (located at the southwest end of the Red Gate Woods parking lot) that leads to the paved trail that leads to the site.”
“There is one placard at the entrance to the narrow dirt path (located at the southwest end of the Red Gate Woods parking lot) that leads to the paved trail that leads to the site.”
“There is one placard at the entrance to the narrow dirt path (located at the southwest end of the Red Gate Woods parking lot) that leads to the paved trail that leads to the site.”
Plan your run at Red Gate Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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 trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone(800) 870-3666
Running trails near Willow Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wolf Road Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 432 reviews
Hilly forest preserve offering biking and hiking trails for all levels, plus picnic areas.
Sagawau Canyon Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 124 reviews
Nature preserve offering trails, fossil programs, and sky walks, plus skiing in the winter.