Guide to Bike Trails & Paths in McHenry County

Guides July 8, 2026 9 min read
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Ready to pedal your way through the many bike trails & paths of McHenry County? From quick park loops to expansive, multi-mile conservation trails, our community is a true cyclist’s paradise.

We’ve built this comprehensive guide to help riders of all ages and skill levels unlock the best bike trails and paths the county has to offer. Whether you’re commuting, training, or just cruising with the kids, your perfect route is just a click away.

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We’ve mapped out the best biking trails across our local cities and villages so you can easily plan your next bike route. Dive in, find a trail near you, and enjoy unlocking the beauty and diverse landscapes of McHenry County.

Cycling Tips & Benefits

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

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Algonquin

Algonquin Lakes Park

Host: Village of Algonquin

Address: 700 Lake Plumleigh Way, Algonquin, IL 60102

Phone: 847-658-2700

Prairie Trail South

Host: McHenry County Conservation District

Address: Washington St and Monroe St, Algonquin, IL 60102

Phone: 815-338-6223

Cary

Rotary Park (Cary Lake)

Host: Village of Cary

Address: 1300 Klasen Rd, Algonquin, IL 60102

Phone: 847-639-0003

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Crystal Lake

Butternut Preserve

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 9214 Butternut Dr, Crystal Lake, IL

Phone: 815-459-0680

Fetzner Park

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 690 Alexandria Blvd and Shelton Ln, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680

Hidden Pond Bike Path

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 760 Bedford Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680

Ken Bird Park

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: Thomasville Ln & Nashville Ln, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680

Lippold Park

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 851 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 847-658-5688

Prairie Trail South

Host: McHenry County Conservation District

Address: Commercial Rd & Eastgate Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-338-6223

Ridgefield Trace

Host: McHenry County Conservation District

Address: 431 Walkup Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Phone: 815-338-6223

Sam Johns Park

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 1270 Westport Ridge Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680

Shamrock Hills

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 6204 Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680

Sterne’s Woods & Fen

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 5617 Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Phone: 815-459-0680

Veteran Acres Park

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 431 Walkup Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012

Phone: 815-459-0680

Willows Edge Park

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 8600 Huntley Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680

Winding Creek Park & Bike Path

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 1621 Penny Lane, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680

Woodscreek Park

Host: Crystal Lake Park District

Address: 1420 Willow Tree Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Phone: 815-459-0680

Fox Lake

Millennium Park

Host: Village of Fox Lake Parks & Recreation

Address: 23 Rollins Rd, Fox Lake, IL 60020

Phone: 224-225-1404

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

Hebron

Hebron Trail

Host: McHenry County Conservation District & City of Harvard

Address: 10106 Church St, Hebron, IL 60034

Phone: 815-943-6468

Huntley

Borhart Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 11304 Caldwell Dr, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Coach’s Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 10150 Central Park Blvd, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Deicke Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 11419 IL-47, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Kiley Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 11745 Blue Bayou, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Ol’ Timers Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 10700 Church St, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Parisek Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 10881 Allegheny Pass, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Red Hawk’s Rest

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 11280 Edinburgh Ln., Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Ruth Family Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 10370 Aldridge Dr, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Tomaso Sports Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 11950 Ackman Rd, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Tures Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 10251 Fleetwood St, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Betsey Warrington Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 12209 Main St, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Weiss Park

Host: Huntley Park District

Address: 10300 Bennington Dr, Huntley, IL 60142

Phone: 847-669-3180

Island Lake

Converse Park

Host: Village of Island Lake

Address: 628 E State Rd, Island Lake, IL 60042

Phone: 847-416-7866

Greenleaf Woods

Host: Village of Island Lake

Address: 3155 Carriage Hill Rd, Island Lake, IL 60042

Phone: 847-416-7866

Puri Family Park / Veterans Park

Host: Village of Island Lake

Address: 442 W State Rd, Island Lake, IL 60042

Phone: 847-416-7866

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

Exner Marsh

Host: McHenry County Conservation District

Address: 9000 N Lakewood Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

Phone: 815-338-6223

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

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

Larsen Park

Host: Village of Lake in the Hills

Address: 700 Creekview Lane, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

Phone: 840-960-7500

Leroy Guy Park

Host: Village of Lake in the Hills

Address: 201 Lakewood Road, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

Phone: 840-960-7500

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

Normandy Park

Host: Village of Lake in the Hills

Address: 680 Normandy Lane, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

Phone: 840-960-7500

Plote Field

Host: Village of Lake in the Hills

Address: 500 Grace Dr, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

Phone: 840-960-7500

Sunset Park

Host: Village of Lake in the Hills

Address: 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

Phone: 840-960-7500

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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

McHenry

Brookside Trail Park

Host: City of McHenry Parks & Recreation

Address: 4214 W Elm St, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: 815-363-2160

Cold Springs Park

Host: City of McHenry Parks & Recreation

Address: 319 Depaul Ct, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: 815-363-2160

McHenry Dam State Park

Host: Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Address: 2711 McHenry Dam Rd. , McHenry, IL 60051

Phone: 815-385-1624

Moraine Hills State Park

Host: Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Address: 1510 S River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051

Phone: 815-385-1624

Petersen Park

Host: City of McHenry Parks & Recreation

Address: 4300 Petersen Park Rd, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: 815-363-2160

Prairie Trail North / South

Host: McHenry County Conservation District

Address: 6482 Harts Rd, Ringwood, IL 60072

Phone: 815-338-6223

Shamrock Farm Park

Host: City of McHenry Parks & Recreation

Address: 6402 Dartmoor Dr, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: 815-363-2160

Whispering Oaks Park

Host: City of McHenry Parks & Recreation

Address: 4300 Front Royal Dr, McHenry, IL 60050

Phone: 815-363-2160

Richmond

Hebron Trail

Host: McHenry County Conservation District

Address: 11500 North Keystone Rd, Richmond, IL 60071

Phone: 815-338-6223

Prairie Trail North

Host: McHenry County Conservation District

Address: Prairie Trail & Broadway Rd, Richmond, IL 60071

Phone: 815-338-6223

North Branch Conservation Area

Host: McHenry County Conservation District

Address: 11360 Keystone Rd, Richmond, IL 60071

Phone: 815-338-6223

Ringwood

Glacial Park Conservation Area / Prairie Trail North

Host: McHenry County Conservation District

Address: 6482 Harts Rd, Ringwood, IL 60072

Phone: 815-338-6223

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

Wonder Lake

Meadow Park

Host: Village of Wonder Lake

Address: 4801 Stillwater Rd, Wonder Lake, IL 60097

Phone: 815-728-0839

Woodstock

Emricson Park

Host: Woodstock Recreation Department

Address: 900 W. South St, Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone: 815-338-4363

Looking for a slower pace? Be sure to check out our Guide to Hiking Trails & Walking Paths in McHenry County!

Woman out walking on walking path.

President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.

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AlgonquinCaryCrystal LakefamilyFox LakeguidesHarvardHebronHuntleyIsland LakeLake in the HillsMarengoMcHenryoutdoorsparksRichmondRingwoodsportsSpring GroveUnionWonder LakeWoodstock

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