Cross-Country Ski Trails
printable map
Tip: Use our interactive map 
to locate specific ski trails!
Once there is 4 inches of snow, outdoor enthusiasts can glide across over 40 miles of Cross-Country Ski Trails throughout McHenry County Conservation District sites.
Cross-Country Ski at 19 sites:
Brookdale,Woodstock
Coral Woods, Marengo
Exner Marsh, Lake in the Hills
Fel-Pro RRR, Cary
Fox Bluff, Cary
Glacial Park*, Ringwood
Harrison Benwell, Wonder Lake
Hickory Grove Highlands*, Cary
The Hollows*, Cary
Lake in the Hills Fen, Lake in the Hills
Marengo Ridge*, Marengo Ridge
Pleasant Valley*, Woodstock
Prairie Trail North (between Barnard Mill and Rt. 176),
Prairie Trail South (McHenry to the Kane County border),
Prairieview Education Center*, Crystal Lake
Rush Creek*, Harvard
Silver Creek, Cary
Stickney Run, McHenry
Winding Creek, Hebron
*These sites are groomed when there is 4 inches of snow or more. See table below for trail conditions.
The Glacial Park ski patrol is an independent volunteer group that monitors the trails at Glacial Park and operates the District’s only warming center.
Hike or Ski on Solar lighted trails
Nov. 6 – March 11* Trails open until 9 p.m.
With the sun going down so early, there's no time to play! Fear not, now you can get out on the trails everyday after dark. The District has two sites open late for hiking or cross country skiing when the conditions are right.
Pleasant Valley (*closed Nov.18–20) 13315 Pleasant Valley Rd., Woodstock. This half-mile looped trail located on the east side of the entrance drive is fairly flat terrain, perfect for beginners or shorter outings. Park in the first parking area and sign in.
NEW!! Hickory Grove Highlands, 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane, Cary. The 1 mile looped trail travels through a newly restored savanna, offering a longer scenic route suitable for intermediate skiers. Visitors should sign in at the trail head.
Cross-Country Ski Conditions
Ratings: Good, Fair and Poor
Glacial Park: Fair
Rush Creek: Fair
Marengo Ridge: Fair
Pleasant Valley: Fair
Hickory Grove Highlands: Fair
Lyons Prairie and Marsh: Fair
Prairieview Education Center: Fair
The Hollows: Fair
Last updated 1/20/2012. Note: conditions may change quickly depending on the weather. See note above regarding grooming. For more information contact the District's Main Office at (815) 338-6223.
Cross-Country Candlelight Ski
Sign up for e-mail notification at MCCD@MCCDistrict.org.
Two Candlelight Skis will be held this winter on both Friday and Saturday evenings from 5–9 p.m. — one in January and one in February following a snowfall of 4" or greater. Don’t miss your chance to cross-country ski on trails lit only by candlelight! Bring your own skis and enjoy refreshments afterwards around the campfire. Skiers of every level and age are welcome.
1st significant snowfall in January: The Hollows, Cary
2nd significant snowfall in February: Marengo Ridge, Marengo
Check the front page of the website for updates or
call (815) 338-6223.
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