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Moraine Hills State Park

4.6 (53 reviews)

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Trails are are definitely not empty
Merrill D.

Ah, the great outdoors! Moraine Hills State Park always gives me a "system reboot" from every day life stresses. I fish avidly. Though elbow-to-elbow bank fishing can be annoying, it gets my blood pumping to see weekend warriors lined up in hopes to land "the big one". Aside from from fishing, there are plenty of shaded picnic spots. One can camp here too. There is boat rental and a concession stand complete with fishing gear and refreshments if needed. We love the hiking trails. They, in my opinion, are beginner to intermediate, ranging from 2 to 4 miles long. They also have a half marathon trail. Most trails are limestone gravel, some cemented, all are flat and even, making them easy for all to enjoy. All trails are well marked with quarter mile markers. We have had the luxury of spotting turtles, bald eagle, hawk, all types of water foul, even garter snake on our walks. The geological history of this park is very cool. It is the remnants of the last glacial period. Be sure to read the informative illistrations during your walks!

Lake Defiance in winter
Kurt J.

Great change in elevation here on the trails. Go around the lake for 4+ miles, or circle the Leatherleaf bog for closer to 3 miles. Heads up if you are on foot, the trails are shared with bikers.

Trail we took.
Saadia S.

Nice quiet park. Decent trails & plenty of parking. Picnic areas are not the best. Trails lead down prairie grass

Great place to go with toddlers! The paths are nicely done. Just make sure they don't trip and fall in the water. We had such a great time walking among the cat tails and lily pads.

Nathan S.

Moraine Hills is a great place to just get away from it all. They have a few very well marked paths for your use. I enjoy hiking the red path, it's about 3 3/4 miles around. This trail offers a great view of Lake Defiance and is a great nature walk. If your looking for a few more miles to add to your walk, you can take the blue trail and rejoin the red where the intersect. This is a great location for biking, cross country skiing, or even for a family barbecue. I highly recommend getting out into nature and giving Moraine Hill a shot.

Jennifer P.

This is a scenic little gem in McHenry county - good for walks/jogs, bike rides, or family time at some of the covered grove areas. I've been trying to bike here once every week or two when I go to visit my mom, and usually only see a few people out and about. It's hilly and those treks uphill make for a great work out! The path varies between solid pavement and (limestone?) gravel. Some of the pavement is rough and needs to be redone, but there are signs posted by most rough spots and before the steeper hills. If you're biking and riding clockwise around the lake/ on the red/blue loop, be wary of the path between red mile markers .0 and .25. After you pass the little gazebo on your left, there is a hill and the downward sloping path is GRAVEL. Despite riding my brakes and even trying to take a wide turn, I've almost wiped out a few times. There are 3 or 4 bathroom houses along the main red/blue loop. Each is a "single" and is pretty much a covered latrine. Sadly, there is no water or soap. As with any outdoor latrine, expect creepy crawlies. (I try not to look up!) Happy trails!

Lake Defiance Trail, 3.7-miles long.
Erin O.

I second what Jennifer P. wrote: this is a scenic little gem in McHenry county. After two visits, there's still plenty more for me to explore. Both times I came with a good friend, sans a bike but with good walking shoes. We strolled along the paved path and admired the quiet, birds, water and general scenery. By the visitors center there's a boardwalk path that is picture-perfect; make time to explore this. I have yet to make it inside the visitors center, so that's my goal for next time. Admission is free. Bring your camera and a snack, grab a map as you enter the park, and enjoy.

Prairie @ Moraine Hills State Park
Amy M.

Really beautiful state park. I find it to be nice for running, walking/hiking and snowshoeing in the winter. I believe cross-country skiing is also permitted on the trails 0 although I'm not sure if they are groomed for skiing, I don't think they are. I have used the Northern Woods trail (3.2 miles) when I visit the park (I have also seen it called the Leatherleaf Bog Trail or the Lake Defiance Trail). Nice mix of forest, open prairie, rolling hills and water. The trail has some paved sections, some crushed limestone. Plentiful bird life (heron, egret, woodpeckers, sandhill cranes, blue jays, geese and ducks - depending on the time of year). Really peaceful in the winter. The Northern Woods trail has a few "hills" but is flat-ish much of the time - FYI. (I have yet to try out the rest of the trails so I unfortunately can't comment on what they are like.) Btw, the parking lot for the NW trail is at the very end of the driveway (if you take the drive that is off of River Road). The bathrooms at that parking lot have not been open consistently (esp during the winter and early spring) - FYI. But there are other "bathrooms" (pit toilets) that appear to be open year round (at the Whitetail Prairie driveway, for ex). And as someone else wrote, there is a little playground (with nice equipment) at the NW trail parking area. Enjoy! Info: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/parks/r2/MORHILLS.HTM Here is a picture of the trails - some of the names seemed to have changed... http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/parks/r2/Graphics/Mh.jpg

Fellow hikers on limestone trail
Thomas B.

Visited today. All of the other walkers were very nice. It helped to have our puppy. Most of the bike riders were courteous. Of course a few were not. The trails are well maintained dog pickup stations at the trail heads. Not a lot of garbage cans along the way. Tons of native species of plants. We walked the dam side. Access to the river was good. Not so boggy on this side of the trail. Lots of River overflow areas. A large flock of birds at one point were dropping acorns from the trees. We were unable to identify them. But it was so cool. Until one hits you on the head. This park has quit e a few amenities. Playgrounds,restroom facilities,concession stands. What a great day and park.

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6 months ago

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3 months ago

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3 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Run down, overgrown trails, office closed all summer, no Boats rental, no service and almost nobody in the park. Sad.

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3 years ago

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Photo of Jack M.
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2 years ago

Very scenic and clean. Great place for a hike, walk your dog , etc. Definitely recommend.

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

Nice trails and plenty of parking. They have maps available right when you pull in as well as in the visitor center.

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Photo of Gene K.
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3 years ago

Great place for a local hike, we have been going to Morraine Hills for years! Clean and several trail options

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10 years ago

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6 years ago

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4 years ago

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5 years ago

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9 years ago

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4 years ago

Excellent trail systems. Great parking and plenty of restrooms. Also links up with the McHenry Dam

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13 years ago

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12 years ago

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14 years ago

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13 years ago

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8 years ago

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Photo of bill d.
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5 years ago

Great place to go for a walk! Lots of trails, bathrooms, scenic vistas. Definitely can't beat the price!!!

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8 years ago

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17 years ago

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9 years ago

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13 years ago

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14 years ago

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14 years ago

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11 years ago

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8 years ago

Beautifully kept grounds. Love this place. Some of the parts is gravel. Nice for hiking or bike riding.

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8 years ago

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9 years ago

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Review Highlights - Moraine Hills State Park

We parked at the Oak Opening area and hiked down to Lake Defiance, taking the Lake Defiance Trail.

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