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Sterling Lake
4.7 ★★★★★ 87 Google reviews · Running trail in Zion, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Sterling Lake yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Popular lake surrounded by a park with trails, fishing and wildlife viewing.
What runners say about Sterling Lake
“Clean lake, lots of cover for fish in the form of submerged weed beds.”
“Beautiful place to just sit back unwind and unpack the day.”
“It is very peaceful and very pretty as you will see in my photos.”
Such a peaceful and beautiful spot! My young kids were able to catch a few fish. There is PLENTY of shade by the benches too so you can always be comfortable. Outhouse needs a touch of tlc, but then again they could have regular port-a-potties.
Nice walking trails. Very well maintained and clean. Has restrooms at a couple of places which is convenient. Nice place to fish, or kayak. Conveniently located just a minute off of the highway.
We (14 of us) paddled our kayaks and canoes around Sterling Lake for about an hour and a half. Then we put away our gear and had a socially distanced picnic (bring your own basket) lunch at the picnic area nearby. A totally pleasant, warm spring day experience. Easy parking near the boat launch.
Very well kept. Excellent for families.May want to get rid of the hornet's nest hanging over the street (bikers- walkers beware)!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place to just sit back unwind and unpack the day.”
“It is very peaceful and very pretty as you will see in my photos.”
“Sometimes I come over here sit back light a joint next to the waterfront far away from anybody and just unwind so if you're into that there's places to do that.”
Plan your run at Sterling Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- Websitelcfpd.org
Running trails near Zion
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Pine Dunes Forest Preserve
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Wadsworth Village Park
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Clean family-friendly park featuring basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields and soccer pitches.
Raven Glen Forest Preserve
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Nature preserve offering hiking, biking & horseback riding trails, plus a lake with 2 fishing piers.