Clinton Hills Loop

The trail primarily uses widened, former golf cart paths, now a 10-foot-wide shared-use path that is both paved and gravel. Within the park, you'll also find grassy areas and some hills, as it incorporates the original hilly sections of the golf course. There are also smaller interconnecting dirt and gravel paths closer to Richland Creek for more natural exploration.

Yes, the main loop is considered easy and is ADA-compliant, making it very suitable for beginners and families. While there are some gentle inclines from its golf course past, the overall path is manageable for most users.

You can expect diverse scenery, including views of lakes and what were once adjacent homes. The park also features critical cypress trees, part of a demonstration project called “A Raindrop’s Journey,” and offers opportunities to observe nature and Richland Creek.

Parking is available at the Clinton Hill Conservation Park in Swansea, Illinois, which serves as the trailhead for the loop. Look for designated parking areas within the park.

The trail is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the park's cleanliness for all visitors.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides lush greenery. Even in winter, the paved and gravel paths make it accessible, though conditions may vary with snow or ice.

As of current information, there are no specific entrance fees or permits required to access the Clinton Hill Conservation Park or use the Clinton Hills Loop trail.

Yes, the trail system at Clinton Hill Conservation Park ties into existing adjacent trail networks, such as the SCCTD system on Old Collinsville Road, expanding your recreational opportunities beyond the loop itself.

Beyond hiking, the park is notable for its innovative repurposing of a former golf course into a conservation area. It features an ADA-compliant main path and also includes a disc golf course for additional recreation.

The Clinton Hills Loop is approximately 1.7 kilometers (just over 1 mile) long and typically takes around 25-30 minutes to complete at a moderate hiking pace.

Keep an eye out for the critical cypress trees, which are part of the “A Raindrop’s Journey” demonstration project. You'll also find views of lakes and opportunities to observe nature along Richland Creek.