The best traffic-free bike rides in Moraine Hills State Park
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Road cycling in Moraine Hills State Park offers routes through a landscape shaped by glacial activity, featuring moraines, kames, and kettle-moraine topography. The park encompasses extensive wetlands and lakes, providing scenic no traffic road cycling routes. Cyclists can explore wooded hills, ridges, and the Fox River, which forms the park's western boundary. The terrain includes short, rolling hills that provide varied riding experiences.
Best no traffic road cycling routes in Moraine Hills State Park
- The most popular no traffic road…
Last updated: September 2, 2026
1
riders
56.7km
02:34
220m
220m
The McHenry County Prairie Trail offers a dynamic road cycling experience, transitioning from smooth asphalt to crushed limestone and gravel as you head north. You'll pedal through a mosaic of…
15
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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24
riders
57.7km
02:58
190m
190m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
12
riders
35.4km
01:46
120m
120m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
38.2km
01:57
140m
140m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Moraine Hills State Park
Tips from the Community
Who said the Illinois is flat, well it is flat, however the section of McHenry / Illinois Prairie Rail Trail ad add a bit of variety to the rest of the trail which usually has long drawn out grades of max 2%, here there are 4 short but steep climbs hitting 16% in a very dense Forrest spending a bit of shade on very hot Midwest summers. The trail twists and turns through the forest which does not give one a notice that the climbs are going to be steep.
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The section of trail between McHenry and Edgewood Road is a part of the trail that needs to be resurfaces. It is rideable but there are places where the roots of trees and shrubs have pushed up the surface creating a bit of a rough ride.
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For those riding out from the City of Chicago to the countryside of McHenry County, the Metra Rail Service offers regular and convenient service to Union Station in downtown Chicago. The City of McHenry also has a wide variety of restaurants and bars with outdoor dining facilities to relax, quench a thirsty throat or satisfy a hungry stomach.
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The section of McHenry / Illinois Prairie Rail Trail from Ringwood to McHenry is all asphalted, sometimes smooth, sometimes rough but all in all a decent trail. Suitable for all bicycles but recommend with tyres => 28mm. The trail rolls up and down the countryside, passing McCollum Lake, giving one the opportunity for a quick swim in hot weather. McHenry itself offers many opportunities to eat and drink. The village is very nice clean and many outdoor possibilities to eat and keep an eye on your bike.
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Nice wooden bridge that takes you over the Fox River and into Algonquin. The bridge is part of the Fox River Trail and is completely car-free.
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Nice wooden bridge that takes you over the Fox River and into Algonquin. The bridge is part of the Fox River Trail and is completely car-free.
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Veteran Acres Park shines with upland woods, featuring the captivating Wingate Prairie spanning approximately 30 acres. This vibrant ecosystem hosts a variety of captivating flowers, including asters, blazing stars, and sunflowers. Prairies, situated near the ridge tops and sun-facing slopes, showcase plants adapted to drier conditions. The pine woods, dispersed across both parks, stand as another beloved feature, adding to the allure of Veteran Acres and Wingate Prairie.
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Enjoy cycling through the beautiful Sterne’s Fen Nature Preserve. This place became an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1994 and offers rugged tree lined paths for biking. It's a perfect spot for a ride not too far from Chicago!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic road cycling routes are available in Moraine Hills State Park?
There are 7 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes available in Moraine Hills State Park on komoot. These routes cater specifically to road bikes, offering a peaceful experience away from vehicular traffic.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no traffic road cycling routes?
The routes in Moraine Hills State Park feature short, rolling hills that provide an engaging workout. The park's unique glacial landscape, with moraines and kames, creates varied terrain. While many park trails are crushed limestone, the 1.7-mile River Road Trail is paved, offering a smoother ride suitable for road cycling. You'll find a mix of dense woods and open spaces.
Are there any easy no traffic road bike routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are 4 easy no traffic road cycling routes. A great option is the Moraine Hills State Park – Lake Defiance loop from Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, which is 25.8 km long. Another accessible choice is the Roadbike loop from Singing Hills Forest Preseve, covering 20.1 km.
What are some scenic viewpoints or natural attractions I can see along the routes?
Moraine Hills State Park is rich in natural beauty. Along your rides, you can encounter sights like the Lone Tree at Moraine Hills State Park, enjoy the Fox River Trail Views, or explore the unique Leatherleaf Bog Trail. The park's wetlands and lakes, including Lake Defiance, offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Moraine Hills State Park?
The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience here, with an average score of 4.75 stars. Reviewers often praise the beautiful scenery, the engaging rolling hills that offer a terrific workout, and the peaceful, traffic-free environment within the park's dense woods and open spaces.
Are there any longer or more challenging no traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, for those seeking a longer ride, the McHenry County Prairie Trail is a moderate 56.7 km route. Another moderate option is the Fox River view – Wooden Bridge Over Fox River loop from McHenry, which spans 58.8 km.
What is the best time of year to visit Moraine Hills State Park for no traffic road cycling?
The park's trails are praised for their beauty year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer provides lush greenery. The color-coded and one-way trails are designed to enhance safety, making them enjoyable across seasons. Always check local weather conditions before your ride.
Are there loop options for no traffic road cycling in Moraine Hills State Park?
Many of the routes in Moraine Hills State Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Moraine Hills State Park – Lake Defiance loop offers a scenic circular ride around Lake Defiance.
What amenities are available in Moraine Hills State Park for cyclists?
Moraine Hills State Park provides several amenities for visitors. You'll find restrooms, drinking water, and picnicking areas. There's also a concession stand located at McHenry Dam, which can be a convenient stop during your ride.
Is public transport available to Moraine Hills State Park?
While the park is primarily accessed by car, local public transportation options in the surrounding McHenry County area may offer connections. It's advisable to check specific routes and schedules with Pace Bus or Metra for the most up-to-date information on reaching the park.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the no traffic road cycling routes?
The park itself has a concession stand at McHenry Dam. For more extensive options, the nearby town of McHenry offers various cafes, restaurants, and pubs where you can refuel after your ride.
What are the parking options for road biking in Moraine Hills State Park?
Moraine Hills State Park has multiple parking lots available for visitors. You can typically find parking at various access points throughout the park, making it convenient to start your no traffic road cycling adventure.
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