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Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 119 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Stemler Cave Woods Nature 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.
Nature preserve featuring hiking trails, sinkholes, and caves, plus opportunities to spot wildlife.
What runners say about Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve
“Beautiful, secluded, and few people.”
I was by myself and new to this place. It is beautiful and secluded. The trails are not level or paved and are mostly shaded by trees which is great. Lots of bugs and insects. Otherwise I only saw squirrels and a frog and a gorgeous blue jay.
I've been hiking this trail for a few years now. I love taking a picture every spring of the biggest sinkhole. It changes so much through time! The one thing I find exceptional is the work being done to manage this preserve. The woods have been burned to control invasives.
Beautiful, secluded, and few people. Its in the middle of nowhere which we like. Very few people were there & there was lots of forest to explore. Whole route may take 2-3 hrs. Wear shoes with good traction if it rained recently because its easy to slip. Route good for kids & dogs also.
Nice hike, not strenuous. Watch for cut down trees on the trail. Tripped on a few of those. A lot of wild flowers in sunny areas. Trails are not marked well. Would recommend taking a picture of the map before you go in. Parking lot is not marked well, so if it looks like a small little turn in, that's likely it.
Trail conditions & character
“The trails are not level or paved and are mostly shaded by trees which is great.”
“Parking lot is not marked well, so if it looks like a small little turn in, that's likely it.”
“Visited in winter after snow, found it pretty muddy.”
Plan your run at Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitednr.illinois.gov
- Phone(618) 295-2877
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Columbia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Stemler Cave Woods Preserve Trails
4.4 ★★★★☆ 64 reviews
Well-kept nature preserve and trail network featuring a 2-mile-plus loop along with woodlands, prairies and sinkholes.
Metter Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 134 reviews
Park featuring a playground, tennis and pickleball courts, and a library, plus a farmers market.
Bolm-Schuhkraft Memorial City Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 243 reviews
Clean, kid-friendly site with a playground and tennis courts, plus basketball, baseball and volleyball fields.
Cliff Cave County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,189 reviews
Long limestone formation gated to protect bats, with natural grounds & river for picnics & hiking.