I returned here after visiting about 30 years ago, and was very impressed with the trails. You can spend many days here and still not see all the areas the park offers. We parked at the Oak Opening area and hiked down to Lake Defiance, taking the Lake Defiance Trail. We stopped at the Nature Center to see some displays and chat with the ranger, and then continued our hike. Seeing the moraines, the leftover hills and ridges from the retreating Wisconsin Glacier, 10's of thousands of years ago, was a geologic trip through time. This is a great local state park that does not have an entrance fee! (None of our state parks have entrance fees to the best of my knowledge!) This is a place I can't wait to get back to explore, right in the backyard of the Chicago 'burbs! read more

Moraine Hills State Park - A view of Lake Defiance. - Parks Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

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Very thankful my son recommended training for long runs at Moraine Hills. His mapping of the route provided a great roadmap. There is signage, mileage marking and different surfaces (soft and asphalt). for the trails. The varying elevations provide great opportunities to train well. It did not disappoint. Thank you!! read more

Moraine Hills State Park - Ready for trails! Opens at 8am!! - Parks Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

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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! read more

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Very pleasant to go to. Very close to home if I just want to go somewhere with no noise. Lots of trails and just driving through it is very nice. Sometimes you can't just drive somewhere super far to sight see but thankfully this State park is here. Also it is free which is very nice. read more

This park and the general area is just so serene and perfect to get away from it all. That's why I love Illinois-- there's so many beautiful spots to just relax and not worry. If you go here or even to the McHenry Dam next door, you won't be disappointed. read more

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. read more

Moraine Hills State Park - Lake Defiance in winter - Parks Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

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

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

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

Moraine Hills State Park - Trail we took. - Parks Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

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

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

I've been to Moraine Hills State Park a few times and it's a great place to: - Hike short or long trails - Fish - Rent a canoe or boat - See a Kettle Lake - Bring the kids/dog/wholefamily Pick up a map at the entrance and park at one of the many rest areas and follow the trail, you won't be disappointed with flora and fauna. The Lake Defiance by the nature center is a Kettle Lake. The deepest in Illinois, I think, but don't fact check me, bro. I mainly come here to hike the blacktop trails, or the wooden piers by the Lake and bog area by the Nature Center. I have fished by the McHenry Dam, and they sell bait there, and rent watercraft and sell concessions. The concession food isn't bad if you really need to buy food, or just pack a picnic. Concession and bait people were really friendly, and can even sign you up for a fishing license for the day! Oh, and heard and saw our first drone in a State Park and yes, it was loud. I guess we need to document everything from the air now, instead of just enjoying nature for nature. It's a long circuitous drive from the City of Chicago, but worth it. Or maybe you live up here and visit often (as you should!). read more

Very pretty place to go for a hike! Honestly, it felt like I was hiking in Wisconsin. It looked like they also do canoe rentals here though I'm not sure how the COVID situation has impacted that. Either way, the grounds are still enjoyable for a nice hike. read more

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. read more

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The best local State Park for walking and biking! I love entering by the Charles Miler Bridge and using that long path to all 3 sections of the park! Kayaking is fun at the dam too! read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

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Having moved over a thousand miles away from the Chicago area, this place truly has a special place in my heart. During my time living in the Midwest I had the rare "luxury" of working irregular shifts, this allowed me and my buddies to make the drive out this park in the middle of the day on any given weekday, and were able to enjoy the park all for ourselves. Usually we went on our mountain bikes and enjoyed the trails, sometimes we went to fish or to do our long runs in the spring getting back in shape for the summer sports. This place is truly a gem year round, in the winter you can go and cross country ski which is also a great way to stay in shape and enjoy the great outdoors. I miss Moraine Hills, but my park now is the Caribbean sea - read more

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

I love Moraine Hills! They have multiple trails throughout and all at different lengths and difficulties. I always go to one trail that is just under 4 miles long and it is a tough run! Hills, winding paths, some straight aways, mostly shaded but also some sun! It is a great way to get outside and get moving because once you start on a trail, you're not going to turn around and head back... just keep going!! read more

A great place to hit the trails! We went with the 3.2 mile trail and wish we had more time so we could tack on the other 3.7 mile trail. Lovely park, courteous bikers and hikers. Some of the path were paved and some were gravel. As a hiker I preferred the gravel. Definitely check out the board walk near the Nature Center. Definitely interested in checking out the place during cross country ski season! read more

Moraine Hills State Park - This was taken at the boardwalk near the Nature Center at Moraine Hills State Park. - Parks Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

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. read more

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No matter where I've traveled, this is one of my absolute favorite places to go. The preservation is amazing, the wildlife is abundant, the trails are clean, and it is always amazingly peaceful. Late spring in McHenry County is absolutely gorgeous. read more

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http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/parks/R2/MORHILLS.HTM The official address of this park is: 1510 S. River Road McHenry, IL 60051 (815) 385-1624 For being about 50 miles out from Chicago, this another spectacular outdoors place to visit, and one of the easiest and beautiful places to go for: - Fishing - Hiking - Biking on beginner paved trails with Beach Cruiser bikes - Hanging out with nature Any time you visit a new park, it is best to stop by the Park Office. Not just to see the ranger or to see if there is a Yogi Bear watch (nope, no bears), but to get the maps and the lay of the park. Most you can get on line, but sometimes you can get a more updated version at the office. Some of the features and amenities I can list, but are not limited to: - Two freshwater lakes plus the Fox River for fishing and non-motor boating - Very active birdwatching - A camping area - Concessions and bathrooms - Hiking and biking trails in very nice forest areas The lake are also surrounded by a large forest with multiple trails going around two lakes. There are 3 loops which are very easy to follow, and multiple lookout points to view some incredible scenery. We took two bikes and were able to traverse the entire park, all three trails, one of them twice, in about 3 hours. The trails are beginner paved and easy to ride. The toilets at the office are normal, and VERY CLEAN. The outhouses outside of the main office I can't vouch for. NUMBER-OF-SPIDERS-UP-YOUR-BUT-WHILE-YOU'RE-ON-THE-CAN Rating = 2 (zero if you go to the main office) TERRAIN = Hilly, but mostly flat OUTDOORS FACTOR = Great family outing for the day, and bring your own stuff. read more

One of my favorite places to walk or bike. Gorgeous scenes wonderfully preserved around every corner! I've come here since I was a little kid with friends, family, a journey alone or with my Siberian husky! My husband and I used to visit here three to five times a week to bike or walk a few miles with our husky pup! We had our wedding celebration party at one of the shelters and it was beautiful! The nature and foliage that is preserved all around Moraine hills is superb. An awesome spot to go unwind, reflect, or just enjoy natures splendor!! read more

Emphasis on HILLS. There are some hills that I had to hop off my bike to avoid falling over! Great trails and it is gorgeous. Bird watching here is AWESOME. Bring lots of sun screen and bug spray. The mosquitoes are vicious! read more

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

State Parks are kind of sparse in NE Illinois. There are a few, but they are crowded, and somewhat overused. Moraine hills was established as a state park back around 1980, so it is fairly new. Some of the only areas in this part of the state where the terrain is fairly undeveloped by man. Great trails, and nature center. Several trails, about 3 to 4 miles in length. Hiking, biking, X Country Skiing in Winter. Fishing and Ice Fishing. Picnicing. Motors, except trolling motors are prohibited on Lake Defiance. You can bring your own boat, but you must be able to carry it in. There is really only one place where you can put your boat in the water. The shoreline is very soft and unstable. No inflatables, or sail craft. They do rent boats there. Take a trail and be one with nature. Not crowded, but there are people there. Visit this awesome state park if you ever have a chance. Make sure you have time, and bring water if you hike any of the trails. read more

Love bringing my 2 year old son and 2 Malamutes to the park. The trails are well maintained and we always see some wild life. There are several trails to choose from, also playgrounds, picnic areas and even built in BBQS read more

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Beautiful park to take a jog, ride a bike, hike the trails, have a picnic or go fishing. Lots of rolling hills and great views. Wish they had consession stands in the park to grab a snack or drink. read more

I don't go often enough! My sister lives in the subdivision next to the Dam, we try and go early once in a while. The wildlife is just waking up... read more

Moraine Hills State Park - This was right on the trail heading back to the dam. Nature doesn't get any cooler than this! - Parks Near Me - McHenry, Illinois

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

All trails are essentially paved. It makes for a nice leisurely walk. I would have preferred that some of the non paved trails were open. There doesn't seem to be a lot of trail options but the ones that are there are a good mileage. If you are local this is a nice place to kill a couple hours for a brisk walk read more

Lovely sprawling park with a variety of trails of varying degrees of accessibility & difficulty so there is something for everyone. Some paths are even paved. Several parking areas, as far as I could tell, had bathroom facilities, too. They also have some picnic tables and shelters in different areas. There is a large lake, Lake Defiance, in the center which adds a variety of aquatic life & plants to enjoy as well. You can bring on small boats (electric motors only) or kayaks/canoes but there is no swimming or wading. Fishing is allowed from boats but not from the shore/piers. We especially enjoy the the floating piers path going around the lake and marshy areas. Though if it has rained a lot recently the connecting bridges between the floating piers may be flooded over and impassable but there are a few entry points so you can always turn back and find another way in to check on a different area. read more

Incredible place. Hiking and boating and a wonderful way to spend the day. Lose yourself in nature. Totally magic.

Beautiful park. Make sure to go to the very end..where the turnabout is. There's a nice lake and the main office (if open) has some cool tourist stuff inside. I recommend going to the McHenry Dam a mile down River road from this entrance, they are both great viewing places. read more

Love this park! So many fun trails to go down and explore! If you go all the way back where the information center is you'll find the water. I believe there are paddle boats to rent, but there is definitely some benches looking out that is perfect for sunset! read more

I've only been to Moraine Hills twice, & I want to bring my family back here once it's summer again. So beautiful I love the running trails. The water pump is a nice feature for people who are thirsty, & left there water bottle in the car. read more