Home › Illinois › River Grove › Sunset Bridge Meadow
Sunset Bridge Meadow
4.5 ★★★★★ 108 Google reviews · Running trail in River Grove, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Sunset Bridge Meadow'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.
Relaxed area, featuring a scenic trail beside the Des Plaines River and open fields.
What runners say about Sunset Bridge Meadow
“Beautiful scenery with a trail that falls along a river.”
This small park is the southern terminus of the Des Plaines River Trail. There's an open field with restrooms, a picnic pavilion, and a water pump. There are several short dirt trails through the woods. The River Trail itself is paved a short way until you get to the pedestrian bridge over the river.
There are about 30 or more parking spaces. A picnic area with bathroom that is close in winter. The trail is good long. But it was a bit muddy because of the melted snow. The trail is about 57 miles according to All Trail. You can bike & run.
This location is nice and big for many different recreational uses. I've flown kites, played soccer, I have seen people play volleyball, barbecues. You name it! There is a trail to take a nice walk with yourself, family, friends or dog. Would recommend.
My pup loved it here! So much wild life, saw a total of 3 deers, maybe more. Natural beauty. Easy trail to follow, beautiful bridge. Felt so peaceful walking there.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful scenery with a trail that falls along a river.”
“There's an open field with restrooms, a picnic pavilion, and a water pump.”
“There are about 30 or more parking spaces.”
“The River Trail itself is paved a short way until you get to the pedestrian bridge over the river.”
“There is a trail to take a nice walk with yourself, family, friends or dog.”
Plan your run at Sunset Bridge Meadow
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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone(800) 870-3666
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near River Grove
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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Priory Park
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