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Sand Creek Conservation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 113 Google reviews · Running trail in Decatur, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sand Creek Conservation Area'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.
Heavily wooded reserve with meadows, streams, footbridges and 8 miles of trails for hiking and riding horses.
What runners say about Sand Creek Conservation Area
“This is a gorgeous stand of timber with rolling moraines, well maintained trails, broad open meadows, gentle streams and an abundance of flora and fauna.”
“This is a gorgeous stand of timber with rolling moraines, well maintained trails, broad open meadows, gentle streams and an abundance of flora and fauna.”
I just moved to South Shores and this place is right down the street! The trails are clean, well kept, and there are maps of the trails. There is a HUGE 5 mile or so loop, but it's kind of dissected into a few small ones in case you want to cut it short.
Nice trails, not as many people but some equestrian traffic. Prepare to jump through or get your feet wet in the multiple ford's running along and across the trails. Recommend for all nature explorers
The best place in Decatur to get lost. Macon County Conservation does an excellent job maintaining the trails. Pay attention to the previous days' weather. It can get wet and muddy. Wear water proof shoes if you plan on walking the full trail.
Well maintained trails that are easy to follow. Should you choose to go counter clockwise, you can take the outer loop (watch out for the Horse landmines!) to experience the open prairie and then head into some very nice canopied forrest area.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a gorgeous stand of timber with rolling moraines, well maintained trails, broad open meadows, gentle streams and an abundance of flora and fauna.”
“There is a HUGE 5 mile or so loop, but it's kind of dissected into a few small ones in case you want to cut it short.”
“The trails are always mowed; there are creek crossings and some hills, lots of woods - 7.”
“There is a HUGE 5 mile or so loop, but it's kind of dissected into a few small ones in case you want to cut it short.”
“As others have mentioned, after a rain it can definitely get muddy.”
Plan your run at Sand Creek Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemaconcountyconservation.org
- Phone+1 217-423-7708
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–6 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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