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Sycamore Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 92 Google reviews · Running trail in Sycamore, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Sycamore Forest 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.
Park with trails, a pond, and picnic areas suitable for kids.
What runners say about Sycamore Forest Preserve
Fairly big park. Is connected with the great western trail that if you take it will run you to st charles. It is a gravel/crushed stone bike path. Bathrooms and shelters are available
Plenty of parking, plenty of picnic tables. Catch and release fishing is allowed in the pond. There is a trail that is nice to walk on.
This is the new trailhead for The Great Western Trail and is a welcome addition to the trail system. Bathroom facilities are now available which were not available at the old trailhead. Prior to this, riding on busy Route 64 was the most direct route from the downtown area.
On the East edge of Sycamore along Rt 64. The Kishwaukee River skirts the west side of the park. Two picnic shelters a pond and walking trails highlight the amenities. There is plenty of parking and it connects with the Great Western Trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Bathroom facilities are now available which were not available at the old trailhead.”
“This is the new trailhead for The Great Western Trail and is a welcome addition to the trail system.”
“It is a gravel/crushed stone bike path.”
Plan your run at Sycamore Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitedekalbcounty.org
- Phone(815) 895-7191
- Social Facebook
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