Calling all cycling enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers! Get ready to pedal into paradise with our newest guide on Bike Trails in McHenry County! Our county has a fantastic network of bike trails and we wanted to make them even easier to traverse with the release of our brand new, comprehensive bike trails guide.
Whether you’re a seasoned road cyclist, a family looking for a leisurely ride, or someone just starting to discover the joy of two wheels, this guide is your essential companion to unlocking the beauty and diverse landscapes of McHenry County.
From simple combination biking and walking trails through local city & village parks, to multi-mile trails, McHenry County has a wide array of cycling opportunities.
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Accessing the Local Bike Trails & Paths
We’ve pulled together a list of bike trails and paths that are available throughout McHenry County. Because there is such a wide variety between these, we highly encourage you to check out the information on the provider’s website, which can be found from the Details links.
While we’ve provided addresses, many of these bike trails and paths can be accessed via multiple locations.
We’ll continue to update this guide and appreciate your help as well with any corrections and additions!
Please Help Us
Please help McHenry Life be the best source of event information in McHenry County.
Click to Submit Others, Information, or Corrections
Did we miss one or include one that is no longer relevant? Or maybe you have information to add or we need to correct our information? We greatly appreciate any help that others can provide. Please provide as much information, including links to other sources, as you can in the form below. Thanks!
All information is subject to change and we always recommend contacting the specific locations to verify conditions and availability.

Algonquin
Algonquin Lakes Park
Host: Village of Algonquin
Address: 700 Lake Plumleigh Way, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-658-2700
Information: Details
Prairie Trail South
Host: McHenry County Conservation District
Address: Washington St and Monroe St, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
Cary
Rotary Park (Cary Lake)
Host: Village of Cary
Address: 1300 Klasen Rd, Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-639-0003
Information: Details
Crystal Lake
Butternut Preserve
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: 9214 Butternut Dr, Crystal Lake, IL
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Fetzner Park
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: 690 Alexandria Blvd and Shelton Ln, Crystal Lake, iL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
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Hidden Pond Bike Path
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: 760 Bedford Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Ken Bird Park
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: Thomasville Ln & Nashville Ln, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Lippold Park
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: 851 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 847-658-5688
Information: Details
Prairie Trail South
Host: McHenry County Conservation District
Address: Commercial Rd & Eastgate Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
Ridgefield Trace
Host: McHenry County Conservation District
Address: 431 Walkup Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
Sam Johns Park
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: 1270 Westport Ridge Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Tips for New or Returning Cyclists
Whether you are new to cycling or coming back to it after many years out of the saddle, the following tips aim to help make it a rewarding experience!
- Start Small: Begin with shorter, easier rides and gradually increase your distance and intensity.
- Listen to Your Body: Don’t push yourself too hard, especially when starting out. Remember, you may not “feel” it right away. Always better to end wanting more than waking up the next day wanting less.
- Join a Group: Riding with others can be motivating and provide opportunities to learn.
- Have Fun! Enjoy the freedom and benefits of cycling.
Shamrock Hills
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: 6204 Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Sterne’s Woods & Fen
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: 5617 Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Veteran Acres Park
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: 431 Walkup Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Willows Edge Park
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: 8600 Huntley Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Winding Creek Park & Bike Path
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: Miller Rd & Heartland Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details
Woodscreek Park
Host: Crystal Lake Park District
Address: 1420 Willow Tree Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0680
Information: Details

Fox Lake
Millennium Park
Host: Village of Fox Lake Parks & Recreation
Address: 23 Rollins Rd, Fox Lake, IL 60020
Phone: 224-225-1404
Information: Details
Harvard
Stone Mill Trail / Milky Way Park
Host: McHenry County Conservation District & City of Harvard
Address: 300 Lawrence Rd, Harvard, IL 60033
Phone: 815-943-6468
Information: Details
Hebron
Hebron Trail
Host: McHenry County Conservation District & City of Harvard
Address: 10106 Church St, Hebron, IL 60034
Phone: 815-943-6468
Information: Details
Huntley
Borhart Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 9661 Abbey Rd, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Coach’s Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 10150 Central Park Blvd, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Deicke Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 11419 IL-47, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details

Kiley Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 11745 Blue Bayou, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Ol’ Timers Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 10700 Church St, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Parisek Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 10881 Allegheny Pass, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Red Hawk’s Rest
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 11280 Edinburgh Ln., Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Ruth Family Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 10370 Aldridge Dr, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Tomaso Sports Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 11950 Ackman Rd, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Tures Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 10251 Fleetwood St, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Betsey Warrington Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 12209 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Weiss Park
Host: Huntley Park District
Address: 10300 Bennington Dr, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-669-3180
Information: Details
Island Lake
Converse Park
Host: Village of Island Lake
Address: 628 E State Rd, Island Lake, IL 60042
Phone: 847-416-7866
Information: Details
Bike Safety
- Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet, regardless of the distance or type of ride.
- Be Visible: Use front and rear lights, especially during dawn, dusk, or night riding. Wear bright clothing.
- Follow Traffic Laws: Obey stop signs, traffic lights, and yield to pedestrians. Ride with the flow of traffic.
- Hand Signals: Use clear hand signals to indicate turns and stops.
- Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Give yourself enough space to react to sudden stops or obstacles.
Greenleaf Woods
Host: Village of Island Lake
Address: 3155 Carriage Hill Rd, Island Lake, IL 60042
Phone: 847-416-7866
Information: Details
Puri Family Park / Veterans Park
Host: Village of Island Lake
Address: 442 W State Rd, Island Lake, IL 60042
Phone: 847-416-7866
Information: Details
Lake in the Hills
Barbara Key Park / The Fen / Dome Hill
Host: Village of Lake in the Hills
Address: 9191 Pyott Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 840-960-7500
Information: Details
Exner Marsh
Host: McHenry County Conservation District
Address: 9000 N Lakewood Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
Frank Road Bike Path
Host: Village of Lake in the Hills
Address: Miller Rd & Frank Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 840-960-7500
Information: Details
Ken Carpenter Park
Host: Village of Lake in the Hills
Address: Miller Road & Randall Road, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 840-960-7500
Information: Details

Health Benefits of Cycling
- Cardiovascular Health: Regular cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse rate, and improves overall circulation, significantly reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
- Weight Management: Cycling is an effective way to burn calories and manage weight. Consistent rides can lead to significant fat loss over time.
- Muscle Strength and Endurance: It works all major muscle groups in your lower body (glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves) and helps build core strength and muscular endurance.
- Joint Health: As a low-impact exercise, cycling is gentle on your joints (knees, hips, ankles), making it a great option for people with joint issues or those looking to prevent them.
- Improved Lung Health: Cycling enhances cardiorespiratory health, leading to improved lung function.
- Mental Well-being:
- Stress Reduction: Cycling releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, which can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improved Mood: Regular physical activity like cycling is linked to improved mood and can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
- Better Sleep: Cycling promotes cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces anxiety, both of which contribute to better sleep quality.
- Enhanced Cognition: Some research suggests cycling can improve memory, concentration, and creativity.
- Disease Prevention: Regular cycling can lower your risk of developing serious conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and arthritis.
- Improved Balance and Coordination: Riding a bike helps develop balance and spatial awareness, and strengthens stabilizing muscles.
Larsen Park
Host: Village of Lake in the Hills
Address: 700 Creekview Lane, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 840-960-7500
Information: Details
Leroy Guy Park
Host: Village of Lake in the Hills
Address: 201 Lakewood Road, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 840-960-7500
Information: Details
Miller Road Bike Path
Host: Village of Lake in the Hills
Address: 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 840-960-7500
Information: Details
Normandy Park
Host: Village of Lake in the Hills
Address: 680 Normandy Lane, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 840-960-7500
Information: Details
Plote Field
Host: Village of Lake in the Hills
Address: 500 Grace Dr, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 840-960-7500
Information: Details
Sunset Park
Host: Village of Lake in the Hills
Address: 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 840-960-7500
Information: Details

Marengo
H.U.M. (Huntley-Union-Marengo) Trail
Host: McHenry County Conservation District
Address: S Prospect St and E Prairie St, Marengo, IL 60152
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
McHenry
Brookside Trail Park
Host: City of McHenry Parks & Recreation
Address: 4214 W Elm St, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-363-2160
Information: Details
Cold Springs Park
Host: City of McHenry Parks & Recreation
Address: 319 Depaul Ct, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-363-2160
Information: Details
McHenry Dam State Park
Host: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Address: 2711 McHenry Dam Rd. , McHenry, IL 60051
Phone: 815-385-1624
Information: Details
Moraine Hills State Park
Host: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Address: 1510 S River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051
Phone: 815-385-1624
Information: Details
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Petersen Park
Host: City of McHenry Parks & Recreation
Address: 4300 Petersen Park Rd, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-363-2160
Information: Details
Prairie Trail North / South
Host: McHenry County Conservation District
Address: 6482 Harts Rd, Ringwood, IL 60072
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
Shamrock Farm Park
Host: City of McHenry Parks & Recreation
Address: 6402 Dartmoor Dr, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-363-2160
Information: Details
Whispering Oaks Park
Host: City of McHenry Parks & Recreation
Address: 4300 Front Royal Dr, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-363-2160
Information: Details
Richmond
Hebron Trail
Host: McHenry County Conservation District
Address: 11500 North Keystone Rd, Richmond, IL 60071
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
Prairie Trail North
Host: McHenry County Conservation District
Address: Prairie Trail & Broadway Rd, Richmond, IL 60071
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
North Branch Conservation Area
Host: McHenry County Conservation District
Address: 11360 Keystone Rd, Richmond, IL 60071
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
Ringwood
Glacial Park Conservation Area / Prairie Trail North
Host: McHenry County Conservation District
Address: 6482 Harts Rd, Ringwood, IL 60072
Phone: 815-338-6223
Information: Details
Spring Grove
Chain O’ Lakes State Park
Host: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Address: 8916 Wilmot Rd, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Phone: 847-587-5512
Information: Details
Wonder Lake
Meadow Park
Host: Village of Wonder Lake
Address: 4801 Stillwater Rd, Wonder Lake, IL 60097
Phone: 815-728-0839
Information: Details
Woodstock
Emricson Park
Host: Woodstock Recreation Department
Address: 900 W. South St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-4363
Information: Details
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