Home › Illinois › Fairview Heights › St. Ellen Park
St. Ellen Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 16 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairview Heights, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from St. Ellen Park'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.
What runners say about St. Ellen Park
“It's all paved walkways so easy walking, but no shade, so it was uncomfortable on a warmer day.”
Outstanding park with a nice walking trail. Perfect stop for a walk with the family or family pet or a quick lunch break.
This trail loop was great. I was able to easily walk up and come back down at my own pace with my little one in his stroller. It overlooks the lake and stays well maintained. Looking forward to my next leisurely walk on this trail.
Nice hidden park. This is a nice place to take a walk. There is a little pavilion with some tables and some bathrooms.
Nice and easy. Paved and uphill on the way up. Just a hair over 1 mile with benches and no shade.
Trail conditions & character
“It's all paved walkways so easy walking, but no shade, so it was uncomfortable on a warmer day.”
“There is nice scenery here and we kept coming across surprises along the out loop trail.”
“There is a little pavilion with some tables and some bathrooms.”
“I was able to easily walk up and come back down at my own pace with my little one in his stroller.”
Plan your run at St. Ellen Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- Websiteco.st-clair.il.us
- Phone(618) 825-2203
Running trails near Fairview Heights
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Saint Ellens Mine Bike Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
O'Fallon Family Sports Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,985 reviews
Sports park offering on-site parking, 8 ball diamonds, soccer pitches & changing facilities.
Moody Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 987 reviews
A wood playground designed with local children & built by volunteers, plus ballfields & picnicking.
Long Acre Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 322 reviews
Family-friendly greenspace featuring a playground, baseball fields and tennis courts.
Swansea Clinton Hills Conservation Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
Former golf course turned public space with trails for biking, walking and disc golf.
Thoman Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 133 reviews
Casual public green space featuring sculptures, a track and a playground, plus shelter.