Moraine Hills State Park

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…

Excellent, well maintained park with quiet roads, plenty of parking, and lots at nature to explore. For me, key features are Lake Defiance and the bike trails. There are some nice hills to climb on the bike trails, so it’s not too boring and flat. In spring, the woods are pack full of wildflowers and birdsong. The trails are one direction, enhancing safety.
The lake allows for fishing and small boating.
I’ve lived nearby for many years and each time I visit here, I remind myself I should visit way more often.
Lots of picnic shelters too.
Of note, the park suffers what most places around here have, algae laden waterways. The lake seems OK, however.

Overgrown and menacing. This place completely creeps me out.

I explored several of the trails on an unseasonably cool August day. I enjoyed the bogs and forest. My favorite part was Lake Defiance. The lake was covered with endless lily pads and benches jutting out into the sea of lilies. I’d never seen anything like it. Hope to get back and explore some different parts of the park.

Love bike riding here. Miles of trails, none too challenging but, take a clue from the name of the place, there are hills. Was all limestone back in the day but, regrettably, they paved some portions that washed away too often. Ranges from beautiful scenery to ride-​next-​to-​a-​road. The one way signs with dozens of access points can be confusing. Take time to read the trail guides and signs as there is a lot to learn, and do stop in at the Ranger Station (or whatever they’re calling it) as there are some interesting displays and projects going on. Ride over to the McHenry Dam for a change of scenery.

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.

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!

Very nice trails for biking/​running. Would recommend a visit on a nice weekend.

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!

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!

Dude, this is not a zoo!!!
I want to begin by explaining that this is a forest preserve and not a zoo. I was recently at this forest preserve to photograph nature and wildlife. I started off parking at the main entrance and walking the entire preserve which is about a 3.5 mile trip. As I was walking (about half way) I was stopped by a guy in his car and he asked if I had taken any good photos. I said that I had taken a few. He said that this was his first time at this preserve and that he was disappointed because he wasn’t able to see anything worth photographing. I asked him where he went and he said in the wooded area. I explained that it was still early and in about a week it was going to explode in here with photo opportunities. He told me thanks, have a nice day and then drove off.
If you are photographing you must take your time and observe because good things come to those who wait.
So this is why I say it is a forest preserve and not a zoo. In a zoo the animals are in a cage or containment area that you can photograph them easily. In a forest preserve you need to be patient and observe to photograph wildlife. The animals will not pose for you and when you watch nature shows it typically takes these guys hundreds to thousands of hours to get the right shot. As I kept walking I felt that he was missing out on some great photo opportunities because when I got close to the lake I noticed some turtles basking in the sun and a duck that was swimming right up to them to check them out. I also photographed some purple martins flying around playing games with each other. It was almost like they wanted me to photograph them playing. There was an egret on the edge of the lake looking for frogs or fish. As I was taking some photos a nice lady walked up to me and told me where a heron nest was.
The Hills are alive with the sounds of birds and animals:
The sounds in here are pretty amazing. As you walk around and listen, you will here many sounds from all of the animals. You will here wood peckers pounding on a tree trying to get a meal. On occasion you may hear hawks screeching as they fly over head looking for mice or just to stretch their wings. The song birds that will sing range from the robins whistling a fancy tune to a blue jay screeching out with a crazed shriek. There are large cranes that will call each other as they are nesting, looking for food or flying overhead. You will hear frogs croaking in the ponds and lakes and the hi pitch chirp of the chip monks calling out in warning that someone is near by.
The bottom line:
I love this forest preserve for what it is. I try to imagine what it was like around here 100 years ago. Did they realize how beautiful it was? The fact that the county had built trails and paths for us to enjoy nature is all good.
Tips:
*Plan on lots of walking so bring comfortable shoes.
*Bring a water bottle and snacks.
*Dog friendly so bring something to pick up poop.
*Plenty of areas to park your car.
*His and hers outhouse buildings.

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!

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.

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!

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

I went kayaking down nippsersink creek and it was a great experience

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:

Here is a picture of the trails — some of the names seemed to have changed…

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 —

Great place for a family hike, cross country skying, biking. Scenery is rolling hills and a bog in the middle. Trails are smooth (paved and gravel), most go in a circle. Full loop (with McHenry dam extension) would take a good 3+ hours No entry fee.
Playground and toilets are at the end point of the parking.
Note, there is no car entrance from east /​Lily Lake str.

The official address of this park is:
1510 S. River Road
McHenry, IL 60 051
(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.