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Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 137 Google reviews · Running trail in Park Forest, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Thorn Creek Woods Nature 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.
Unpaved network of trails in a woodland environment for walking, hiking and wildlife-spotting.
What runners say about Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve
“Absolutely gorgeous and I am sure in the summer this trail is more beautiful.”
First of all, trail is right behind the parking lot! Natural surface trail. Very woodsy! Absolutely gorgeous and I am sure in the summer this trail is more beautiful. I loved that there was small signs with arrows and maps letting you know where you are on the trail.
It's a beautiful trail that is about 3 miles long. The trail itself is a littlemuddy so make sure you wear shoes that you don't mind getting dirty or boots. I walk down the trail a few days after it rained. They have a wooden boardwalk that is fun to walk on it and a little pond.
The trails here are unique, unpaved and sometimes through tallish grass.. You are away from roads and completely immersed in trees and plants. The smell is stimulating. Maps found along the trails. 3 miles to the end and back
My favorite nature walk. It totals about 3 miles and is beautiful year round. There are some steps and walking on boards. There can also be muddy trail in the natural parts but always worth it!
Trail conditions & character
“Absolutely gorgeous and I am sure in the summer this trail is more beautiful.”
“Pd; In this forest Preserve dogs are NOT allowed.”
“There can also be muddy trail in the natural parts but always worth it!”
“They have a wooden boardwalk that is fun to walk on it and a little pond.”
Plan your run at Thorn Creek Woods Nature 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitereconnectwithnature.org
- Phone+1 708-747-6320
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