McHenry County might have the best hiking trails in the northern part of Illinois. We love that each park has a variety of ecosystems from prairie, to marshes, to woodlands. Here are the 5 best hiking spots in McHenry County including Glacial Park, Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve, Sterne’s Woods and Fen, Prairie Trail, and North Branch Conservation Area.
1. Glacial Park
Rose: The park is so large that it is not likely that you will run into other hikers. So many options of trails and lengths of of your hike.
Thorn: There are hills in the park, so not ideal for all hikers
Address: 6705 State Rte 31, Ringwood, IL 60072
Website: https://files.mccdistrict.org//All%20Sites/Glacial%20Park%20Trail%20Map.pdf
2. Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve
Rose: Beautiful lookout with benches to relax, enjoy the scenery, or read a book
Thorn: The park is full of bees doing their thing and pollinating, which is very important to us. However, if you have young children or dogs, be vigilant of the bees along the trail.
Address: 11000 Lakeview Rd, Richmond, IL 60071
Visit our blog post on Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve
3. Prairie Trail in Richmond
Rose: Close to downtown Richmond which is ideal for a breakfast or lunch stop before the hiking trip.
Thorn: This is a straight path, and if you know us, we love a loop hike.
Address: 5614 Broadway Rd, Richmond, IL 60071
Website: https://files.mccdistrict.org//publications/Recreation/Prairie-Trail-brochure_2018_Dec_web.pdf
Check out our blog post on visiting Richmond, IL
4. Sterne’s Woods and Fen
Rose: The wildflowers are beautiful in the spring and summer
Thorn: There are a few big hills, expect to be out of breath at the top of the hill, but it is a great workout!
Address: 5617 Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Website: https://www.crystallakeparks.org/interactive-map/sternes-woods-and-fen
Check out our detailed blog post on Sterne’s Woods and Fen
5. North Branch Conservation Area
Rose: This trail is great for hiking and biking. We prefer biking here!
Thorn: This park has very little shade, so it can be very hot in the summer time. Bring that hat and sun screen!
Address: 11500 North Keystone Rd, Richmond, IL 60071
Website: https://www.mccdistrict.org/visit___explore/places_to_go/find_a_site/north_branch.php
These pictures are stunning! Great job compiling this comprehensive list of places together
Thanks!
Wow what beautiful scenery there is in Mchenry County. Looks like it would be so refreshing to hike here.
As someone who grew up in Richmond VA, it’s always odd seeing another city named Richmond! But it makes me want to visit, just because of my love for the name haha! These gorgeous parks look so wonderful to explore during the winter.
Some many beautiful hikes! Thank you for this amazing round up– definitely hope to check out some of these spots soon!
Looks like lots of good hiking spots! We love to hike when we can!
Wow these are gorgeous hikes!! Definitely putting these on my list if we ever head that way. The second and fourth are totally up my alley!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Oooh nice! Hiking in Southern Illinois looks gorgeous in all seasons! I love the mix of scenery at different times of the year. How long are the trails you guys do through these parks?
What a lovely place to go for a hike. My daughter and I regularly go into the forest for a long walk
We’ve explored a couple state parks in Southern Illinois. Looks like we need to travel a few hours north for some great hikes.
The glacial park would definitely be my first pick, but all of them look incredibile! Thit is a great guide. Thanks for sharing!
I never been to any of these places and it looks absolutely gorgeous to visit for outdoor activities!
Hikes are not my strongest points, im not really fir, but I still enjoy the outdoors.
Sterne’s seems to call out more to me than the others. Very beautiful.