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Spitler Woods State Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 340 Google reviews · Running trail in Mt Zion, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Spitler Woods State Natural 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.
Paved, looping trail and multiple other trails winding through a forested area featuring playgrounds, a basketball court and picnic tables.
What runners say about Spitler Woods State Natural Area
“Clean trail, lots of early spring flowers beautiful spring day”
“Beautiful park with lots of trails family friendly.”
Beautiful and easy trail. There is a loop that is wheelchair accessible. We went in May and the entire forest floor was carpeted with spring wildflowers. Absolutely beautiful!
Very pretty walking trails; harder to walk after a rain but that's nature!
There’s a special kind of magic at Spitler Woods, and it’s no wonder it’s one of my favorite places to unwind. The walking trails are a real treat, winding through the trees with enough shade to keep you cool even on the warmest days. But this park is more than just a beautiful hike.
A very nice & beautiful park. Great playgrounds, wonderful trails.. plenty of parking.. restrooms.. Perfect backdrop for photos, for "me time" or with that special someone, just walking along the gorgeous trails through the lushes woods..grills & pavilions for reunions or birthday parties.
Trail conditions & character
“Clean trail, lots of early spring flowers beautiful spring day”
“Wonderful paved trail along with many other trails to enjoy!”
“There is a loop that is wheelchair accessible.”
Plan your run at Spitler Woods State Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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, restrooms — 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.
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone(217) 864-3121
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Mt Zion
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Fort Daniel Conservation Area
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Sand Creek Conservation Area
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Nelson Park
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