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Stemler Cave Woods Preserve Trails
4.4 ★★★★☆ 64 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Stemler Cave Woods Preserve Trails' 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.
Well-kept nature preserve and trail network featuring a 2-mile-plus loop along with woodlands, prairies and sinkholes.
What runners say about Stemler Cave Woods Preserve Trails
“The Stemler Cave Woods Preserve Trails are a well maintained, easy hiking location for everyone.”
“I highly recommend taking a photo of the map and the key as the path is not well marked.”
“We had a nice quiet walk didn't run into anyone until we were almost off trail”
“It was a Relatively easy walk though.”
Great place, a little hard to find. Make sure you don't park at someone's house like I almost did. This place has a beautiful trail full of mother nature's beauty. It's a quick turn off of the main bluff road, so be prepared to turn around after you miss it. Great hidden gem. Also be prepared to walk.
The Stemler Cave Woods Preserve Trails are a well maintained, easy hiking location for everyone. It's a surprisingly dense wooded area between farmland! It's not for those looking for long hikes, but does have a 2+ mile loop if you want to go a little further.
It was a fun walk. I highly recommend taking a photo of the map and the key as the path is not well marked. Here are the photos of the points on the map
Holy poison ivy. Really nice place with easy trails. Saw deer, a small snake and some lizards. It is easy to wander off the trail since there are a lot of old 2-tracks and an old rail bed as well as a lot of trails from other hikers walking off the trails for better looks at the sinkholes here.
Trail conditions & character
“The parking lot is fairly small, it only holds four cars, and is located off Stemler Rd, not off Pruitt Ln as Google Maps might suggest!”
“We had a nice quiet walk didn't run into anyone until we were almost off trail”
“We ran into a group of dogs last time we were there so keep your little ones close.”
“It's not for those looking for long hikes, but does have a 2+ mile loop if you want to go a little further.”
“Entrance is hard to find, is a small gravel lot just off of Stemler road.”
“I highly recommend taking a photo of the map and the key as the path is not well marked.”
Plan your run at Stemler Cave Woods Preserve Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
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 Nature Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 119 reviews
Nature preserve featuring hiking trails, sinkholes, and caves, plus opportunities to spot wildlife.
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.