BIKING MORAINE HILLS STATE PARK

Moraine Hills State Park opened in 1976 and is named for its predominant geologic feature, kanes composed of gravel deposited by a glacier, which formed the area following the Wisconsin glaciation period. The park is located in the far northwest suburban section of Chicagoland on River Road three miles south of the town of McHenry. There are three loops of crushed limestone (asphalt in areas where erosion is a problem) totaling 10+ miles, with the yellow loop (closed in 2002 and 2003) traveling out to the McHenry Lock and Dam on the Fox River. Concession stands are available in season at both the dam and the park headquarters (which the red trail passes). Terrain and scenery change quite a bit as you complete the loops, and water is available at many of the trailheads.

There is no charge for entrance to the park and maps are available at the entrance.

Although there are many forested areas as above. about half of the park's 1690 acres are wetlands and lakes, and artifacts have been found because the area was home to five tribes of Native Americans dating back to approximately 4000 B.C., including the Fox and Sauk.

Rest stops are located on each loop, as are restrooms and water fountains. One of many meadows is evident across from this stop. All three loops are one-way trails for bikers and cross country skiers, so follow the arrows. All intersections are well marked with arrows and distances, and mileage is indicated on posts every quarter mile. Wildlife include red fox, deer, coyote, eastern cottontail, mink, opossum, raccoon, great blue herons, green herons, as well as over 100 other birds.

Ahead is the one lengthy uphill which encourages some to walk their bikes, and the constant up and down over the namesake "moraine hills" provides everyone a good workout as well as ever-changing scenery. Since this is a state park, the trail is maintained and always in excellent condition, and it seems that some sort of ecological work is always being done somewhere in the park.

The 48 acre Lake Defiance, seen above, is the largest lake and one of only a few glacial lakes in Illinois still undeveloped and in near-natural condition. It is gradually filling in with peat from its unstable shore. Boat rentals and bait and tackle sales are available in the concession stand alongside this lake as well as the one at McHenry Dam.