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Spears Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 213 Google reviews · Running trail in Willow Springs, Illinois · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Spears 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.
This scenic park has trails for hikers, bikers & horses through wetlands & woods, plus picnic spots.
What runners say about Spears Woods
“This is a quiet and well maintained Forest Preserve with Cook County, Palos Trails System!”
“It was a beautiful area that wasn't crowded at all and had some wonderful trails that took you down to the water where you could hear frogs bellow and birds cheap.”
“This is a quiet and well maintained Forest Preserve with Cook County, Palos Trails System!”
Great place for a hike or run. The trail has a mix of gravel and sand, with some nice elevation changes. There’s a good balance of sun and shade along the way. I did an easy 2.2-mile loop starting and ending at the parking lot. The only downside is the lack of bathrooms—so be prepared to use the bushes if nature calls!
It's a beautiful park, especially in the fall season 😍 you can enjoy the changing colors of the leaves 🍃 but no road path connection between one side park to other sides of the park. It would be perfect if there was any connection to all sides of the park.
Wonderful trails, never super crowded, picnic area next to the parking area with lots of grass to throw a blanket down. Great for walking dogs! Great wildflowers in spring and summer.
Groomed trails as well as some lesser travelled paths. Be aware that both mountain biking and horse back riding is allowed so dogs need to stay on leash.
Trail conditions & character
“It was a beautiful area that wasn't crowded at all and had some wonderful trails that took you down to the water where you could hear frogs bellow and birds cheap.”
“This is a quiet and well maintained Forest Preserve with Cook County, Palos Trails System!”
“Be aware that both mountain biking and horse back riding is allowed so dogs need to stay on leash.”
“Wonderful trails, never super crowded, picnic area next to the parking area with lots of grass to throw a blanket down.”
Plan your run at Spears Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone(800) 870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Hidden Pond Woods
4.5 ★★★★★ 115 reviews
Park featuring woods, trails, horse riding, deer and a pond.
Country Lane Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
Free-admission picnic area with trails amid forest preserves.
Willow Springs Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 278 reviews
Forest preserve popular for its multi-use trails offers year-round outdoor recreation.
Buffalo Woods
4.4 ★★★★☆ 188 reviews
Located near stables, this tranquil open space & popular picnic spot has forested trails for riding.
