Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Road Cycling

Info:
State:Illinois
Location:Moraine Hills State Park
Elevation Change: Minimal
Length:7.0-10 Miles
Surface: Crushed Limestone

Description: The crushed limestone surface is wide and well maintained, but the area is fairly hilly. Three connecting loops comprise the ten miles of trails. The Fox River Trail is the flattest, and the Lake Defiance Trail and Leather Leaf Bog Trail are hillier. You’ll pass through a variety of terrains—lakes, woods, marshes, and prairies. By the marshes, get off your bike and spend a few minutes at one of the two viewing platforms observing the variety of waterfowl, including blue and green herons, mallards, teals, and wood ducks. The trails are also home to fox, deer, mink, and beaver. In the vegetation department, look for marsh marigold, Saint-John’s-wort, hoary willow, and other rare species. If you like to see battles between the plant and animal worlds, Pike Marsh, southeast of the Lake Defiance Trail, is home to one of the state’s largest known colonies of pitcher plants, a rare species which traps and eats insects. If that makes you hungry, there are two concession stands in the park. Also, fishing and boat rentals are available.