Home › Illinois › Cary › The Hollows Conservation Area
The Hollows Conservation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 210 Google reviews · Running trail in Cary, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 1.3 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from The Hollows Conservation Area'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.
Recreation & wildlife on 478 acres of varied ecosystems, from prairies to woods to basin marshes.
What runners say about The Hollows Conservation Area
“Very well kept, very clean & areas for hikers of all types.”
“I've been to The Hollows several times now and every trip has been beautiful.”
“Very serene and great views.”
Such a beautiful relaxing are. Very well kept, very clean & areas for hikers of all types. Birds & wildlife of all types for your viewing pleasure! Relics of times gone bye, don't know their history but it allows the mind to wander . Picnic areas abound & many areas with benches for resting.
Well-groomed trails, mostly dirt or gravel. About 3.5 mile-loop. Best view is by the lake. Recommend for casual strolling and picnicking by the lake.
I've been to The Hollows several times now and every trip has been beautiful. This morning I took a walk with my husband who hadn't been here yet, and he was impressed as well with the beauty, the nice fishing spots and the walking paths. He's excited to come back with our son, to fish. 👍 We will all be returning soon.
One of the best hikes I've done in the area. Really good trail system with variety and decent elevation in places. Will definitely be back!
Trail conditions & character
“Lake Atwood is a perfect place to let your dog take a dip.”
“I've been to The Hollows several times now and every trip has been beautiful.”
“They also paved a nice path around the lake there for those that don’t want to venture in to the woods.”
“Trails are packed grass or some gravel/dirt.”
“Trails can get muddy when it rains, so wear proper footwear.”
Plan your run at The Hollows Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance1.3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemccdistrict.org
- Phone+1 815-338-6223
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Cary
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hoffman Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 187 reviews
Recreational area featuring disc golf, a nature preserve, and picnic tables, plus a popular dog park.
Fox Trails Park
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Cary-Grove Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 106 reviews
Large park with swings, slides, a playground, basketball courts and picnic tables, plus fields for soccer and football.
Fox Bluff Conservation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 154 reviews
Natural area of woodlands, wetlands & prairies offering quiet hiking trails & access to river.
Rotary Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 67 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area with picnic facilities, as well as a launch for kayaking.