The best running trails around Champaign

There are over 30 dedicated running routes around Champaign, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails to explore.

Yes, Champaign offers several easy running routes. For instance, the Running loop from Windsor & Fields South is a gentle 2.9-mile path, and the Running loop from Carle at the Fields South is another easy option at 2.6 miles, both perfect for a leisurely run.

Champaign's jogging trails offer a diverse range of terrain. You can find paved urban paths, such as those in Hessel Park or the Greenbelt Bikeway, as well as more natural surfaces in restored prairies and wooded areas like Meadowbrook Park or Busey Woods. Some forest preserves, like Kickapoo State Recreation Area, even offer hilly trails for a more challenging experience.

Many parks and trails in Champaign are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash. Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, with its extensive paths and open spaces, is a popular choice for runners with dogs. Always check specific park regulations before heading out.

For families, routes with paved, flat surfaces and amenities are ideal. Hessel Park and Centennial Park in Champaign offer paved trails and playgrounds. The Kickapoo Rail Trail is another excellent option, providing a relatively flat and accessible route for all ages.

Champaign's routes offer several scenic highlights. You can run through the Meadowbrook Park, which features a sculpture garden and restored tallgrass prairie. The University of Illinois campus itself, including the Arboretum, provides beautiful surroundings. For a unique experience, explore the Busey Woods Boardwalk Trail, offering an immersive woodland run.

Yes, many running routes in Champaign are designed as loops for convenience. The Victory Park – Meadowbrook Park loop from Champaign-Urbana is a longer, challenging option, while the First Street Trail loop from Champaign offers a moderate, shorter urban loop.

Most major parks and trailheads in Champaign, such as Meadowbrook Park, Hessel Park, and the starting points for the Kickapoo Rail Trail, offer dedicated parking facilities. For routes around the University of Illinois campus, public parking garages or street parking may be available, though it's advisable to check for restrictions.

The running routes in Champaign are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 5.0 stars. Runners frequently praise the variety of terrain, from urban paths to natural prairies, and the well-maintained nature of the trails. Over 190 runners have used komoot to explore the area, highlighting its popularity.

Many routes within Champaign and Urbana are accessible via the local public transport system (MTD). Routes passing through the University of Illinois campus, such as the Running loop from Gies Memorial Stadium, are particularly well-served by bus routes, making them convenient for those without a car.

Yes, especially for routes closer to urban centers or the University of Illinois campus. Areas around the university, downtown Champaign, and downtown Urbana offer numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can refuel before or after your run. Meadowbrook Park, while more natural, is still within a short distance of amenities in Urbana.

For those seeking longer distances, the Victory Park – Meadowbrook Park loop from Champaign-Urbana is a challenging 13.5-mile route that connects several green spaces. The Kickapoo Rail Trail, at 9.7 miles one way, also offers a significant distance for out-and-back runs.