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Spring Creek Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 82 Google reviews · Running trail in Washington, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Spring Creek 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.
Area for hiking and woodland walks, featuring a nature trail and picnic tables.
What runners say about Spring Creek Preserve
“Beautiful park with well-maintained trails, nice easy hike or a challenging trail run with inclines and manageable declines”
“Beautiful park with well marked trails, plenty of parking, surprisingly diverse habitats and wildlife, including protected burial grounds.”
“Beautiful park with well marked trails, plenty of parking, surprisingly diverse habitats and wildlife, including protected burial grounds.”
“If you have the hankering for a peaceful hike or you want to start hiking but want an easy area to do so, Spring Creek Preserve is the place to do it.”
Review Visit: September 30th, 2015 A hidden gem in the area where Washington/East Peoria/Germantown Hills come together. When it came to write this blog, I had this place listed as being located in East Peoria.
Spring Creek Preserve is 262 acres of mostly woods, with four miles of dirt trails. It was added to the Fon du lac Park District about a year or two ago. The main trail is a loop up and down a 200 foot hill. There is a flat meadow loop and other trails that require walks across Spring Creek.
It's a hidden gem. I like the trails here, you can take the woodland loop, bluff trail or walk around the old fields. Some parts of the woodland loop and bluff trail are quite steep. There are spots where the trails will cross the creek, after a good rain there will be some water in the creek but it's usually dry.
Hidden gem. Just opened in past year"ish. 2+ miles thru hills, across creek, thru flat areas. Dogs ok. Some parts can be "difficult " with grade and packed smooth trail creating slick underfoot. Beautiful fall colors. Can stay on bottom area if unableo to navigate the hills.
Trail conditions & character
“Review Visit: September 30th, 2015 A hidden gem in the area where Washington/East Peoria/Germantown Hills come together.”
“Beautiful park with well marked trails, plenty of parking, surprisingly diverse habitats and wildlife, including protected burial grounds.”
“Beautiful park with well marked trails, plenty of parking, surprisingly diverse habitats and wildlife, including protected burial grounds.”
“I like the trails here, you can take the woodland loop, bluff trail or walk around the old fields.”
“If you have the hankering for a peaceful hike or you want to start hiking but want an easy area to do so, Spring Creek Preserve is the place to do it.”
“The preserve has basic developments, a gravel parking lot, a portable potty, and two picnic tables at the entrance.”
“Beautiful park with well marked trails, plenty of parking, surprisingly diverse habitats and wildlife, including protected burial grounds.”
“No, this was caused by a weird concrete hallway/door thing that was built in to the ground.”
“There is a flat meadow loop and other trails that require walks across Spring Creek.”
Plan your run at Spring Creek Preserve
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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefondulacpark.com
- Phone+1 309-699-3923
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Washington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Grand View Drive
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Cooper Park North
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Bielfeldt Park
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Pimiteoui Trailhead
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