Home › Illinois › Mahomet › River Bend Forest Preserve
River Bend Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 275 Google reviews · Running trail in Mahomet, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from River Bend 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.
What runners say about River Bend Forest Preserve
“The trail was very well kept and we all enjoyed a nice stroll in a beautiful environment.”
“Great place to hang out and just enjoy the peace and quiet of the area.”
Went to the preserve to walk our daughter's big dog. The trail was very well kept and we all enjoyed a nice stroll in a beautiful environment. There are several trails at Riverbend we've enjoyed. There is also a very nice dock and gazebo out on the lake.
A wonderful place. Really enjoyed it very much. Nice walking trails. A great opportunity for cycling on the road. Worth exploring it.
This is a beautiful forest preserve! We walked about 6 miles, and there was still more to explore. There was an egg hunt, which I thought was a really cool way to get people out and about. Alita and I found 4 eggs. I have no idea how many there were, but it was a fun time! There are lots of places to fish.
I volunteered for a muscle survey with the upper Sangamon river Conservancy. Multiple muscles mean a healthy river have not been there for hiking or fun, but looks like it would be a great place to go.
Trail conditions & character
“It is nicely restored with wide gravel and grass trails, ideal for walking the dog or exploring along the river.”
“The trail was very well kept and we all enjoyed a nice stroll in a beautiful environment.”
“There is a restroom, a boat ramp, parking, and pavilion.”
“Great place to hang out and just enjoy the peace and quiet of the area.”
“This is right outside of Mahomet on the Sangamon River where a gravel pit used to be.”
Plan your run at River Bend Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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.
- Websitechampaignforests.org
- Phone(217) 586-3360
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Mahomet
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
