Home › Illinois › Genoa › Russell Woods Forest Preserve
Russell Woods Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 297 Google reviews · Running trail in Genoa, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Russell Woods 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.
Benches, trails, cabins and shelters are some of the amenities at this wooded nature preserve, which also includes a sledding hill.
What runners say about Russell Woods Forest Preserve
“A hidden forest and scenic river in the middle of the prairie with a bridge overlooking the water where you can watch and wave as the kayakers or canoe-ers float by.”
Ive been taking my dogs, children, and now grand children, to Russell Woods for 22 years. Its beautiful and well maintained with lots of trails to hike and the river to play in. The learning center is always fun for the kids too.
Our family loves going to Russell's Woods any time of year. It's a beautiful place to hike in both spring and fall. Summer is nice too, as long as you're prepared to combat against the mosquitoes. In the winter they have the all famous sledding hill that usually has a huge bonfire at the top going warm all day long.
A hidden forest and scenic river in the middle of the prairie with a bridge overlooking the water where you can watch and wave as the kayakers or canoe-ers float by. And, in the winter during/after snowfall, one can take advantage of the sledding hill--quite popular with the locals.
Really great place to walk. Wooded and open trails. Plenty of wild life to see and enjoy. Great sledding hill in the winter too!
Trail conditions & character
“A hidden forest and scenic river in the middle of the prairie with a bridge overlooking the water where you can watch and wave as the kayakers or canoe-ers float by.”
“Peggy, saw and heard sand hill cranes stalking the wetlands and saw a real log cabin, moved from elsewhere on the Kishwaukee River.”
Plan your run at Russell Woods Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- Websitedekalbcounty.org
- Phone(815) 895-7191
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Genoa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Kishwaukee Forest Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
Wetzel Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 69 reviews
Low-key playground and park for tennis and basketball players, plus kids' swings, slides and a rubber-surfaced area.
Old Mill Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 12 reviews