HomeIllinoisChannahon › Will County Forest

Will County Forest

4.8 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Running trail in Channahon, Illinois · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Will County Forest'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.

ScenicStroller / ADA

Nature preserve offering kid-friendly hikes, picnic tables, and scenic views.

What runners say about Will County Forest

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (51 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 9 mentions

“It is a beautiful trail system with well maintained trails for hiking, bike, or running.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“This is a beautiful place with river views, lots of wildlife, especially water fowl, and even eagles.”

A Small hidden gem with amazing scenery. It is minutes away from my home so I take a walk here at least once a week. I also highly recommend this small park if you're into photography 📸

★★★★★ — Seray , Nov 2022

Beautiful & simple trail. Paved/stroller friendly. The trail was full of different birds! It was amazing. Follow the trail and it leads to their nature learning center. That was a bonus. There are clean restrooms in there and a kid area to explore.

★★★★★ — Clementina , May 2023

It is a beautiful trail system with well maintained trails for hiking, bike, or running. Lots of photo ops. Not many places to rest along the way is only drawback for those that may need it.

★★★★☆ — Joe , Jun 2025

I go here often to run the well maintained paths throughout the preserve. The Environmental Center has programs throughout the year I've attended. They are well planned and informational. This is a beautiful place with river views, lots of wildlife, especially water fowl, and even eagles.

★★★★★ — Darcy , Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 51 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 12 mentions

“I only gave it a four star because I imagine during peak waterfall migratory season This place is gonna be fantastic.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“Nice clean and easily accessible canoe / kayak entry.”

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Plan your run at Will County Forest

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitereconnectwithnature.org
  • Phone(815) 727-8700

Hours

Monday 8 AM–4 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–4 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–4 PM
Thursday 8 AM–4 PM
Friday 8 AM–4 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Will County Forest

26255 S Walnut Ln, Channahon, IL 60410

Get directions

Running trails near Channahon

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

I&M Canal State Trail Access

4.8 ★★★★★ 29 reviews

Channahon, IL

under a mile away

Channahon State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 722 reviews

Channahon, IL

ScenicDog-friendly

Historic canal views, a restored locktender's house & tours, plus trails, fishing & canoeing.

under a mile away

Arroyo Trails

4.5 ★★★★★ 164 reviews

Channahon, IL

MixedScenic

Playground for kids and adults, along with picnic tables and a creek at this scenic trail for hiking, with wood bridges.

1.1 miles away

I&M Canal Towpath Trails

4.8 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

Channahon, IL

Scenic

1.5 miles away

McKinley Woods

4.7 ★★★★★ 323 reviews

Channahon, IL

MixedScenic

2.0 miles away

I&M Canal State Trail Access - McKinley Woods

4.9 ★★★★★ 14 reviews

Channahon, IL

Scenic

2.1 miles away

All running trails in Channahon, IL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.