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Ulrich Wildlife Preserve
4.2 ★★★★☆ 33 Google reviews · Running trail in Morton, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Ulrich Wildlife 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.
Natural environment with trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and creek walks on 72 acres.
What runners say about Ulrich Wildlife Preserve
“A beautiful hike through the woods, down to a creek.”
I was out exploring and found a wonderful place! This trail is located at the end of a neighborhood, and one could easily miss it. Luckily, I parked in their 8 car parking lot and walked some paths. The trail markings could be better, but other than this, I enjoyed this moderate/difficult (in some areas) hike.
Small (72 acre) park. A bit tricky to get to but with it. Visited during a relatively dry time, trails are rough and many are clearly for mountain bikers. The Overlook is quite steep in a few places but has some good views of the creek. I am curious about the Ackerman Creek trail after the Overlook Trail.
Great little hike spot. Parking is on street in neighborhood. Has Creek running through thats great for kids to play in. Trails would also be ok for mountain bikes. Update: now has parking lot
Went for an early morning walk and really enjoyed it. As the sun rose and started streaming in through the trees, it just added to the atmosphere. I didn't complete the loop, so maybe there's an easier way down to Ackerman Creek, but my little trail down was very steep.
Trail conditions & character
“The Overlook is quite steep in a few places but has some good views of the creek.”
“This is a 72 acre wildlife preserve, access from the end of residential street Turtle Creek Trail, limited parking, one main trail, deep ravines in places”
“I didn't complete the loop, so maybe there's an easier way down to Ackerman Creek, but my little trail down was very steep.”
“I didn't complete the loop, so maybe there's an easier way down to Ackerman Creek, but my little trail down was very steep.”
Plan your run at Ulrich Wildlife Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemorton.recdesk.com
- Phone+1 309-263-7429
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Morton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Farmdale Reservoir
4.7 ★★★★★ 213 reviews
Wooded hiking trails along with mountain bike tracks and a small jumps course.
Farmdale overlook
4.4 ★★★★☆ 8 reviews
Lakewood Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
George Doering Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 72 reviews
Quiet park featuring a playground and a 4/10-mile loop, along with a picnic area.