The forty-seven acre Lake Defiance and McHenry Dam are mainstays at this park.  The park is named after the Moraines located here.  A moraine is a ridge of boulders, gravel, and sand.

Trail Distance: 10 miles in three loops.
Trail Surface: Crushed Limestone
Type of Use: Tour/leisure, Mountain/Fat Tire
Towns: 2.3 miles South East of McHenry, Volo, Island Lake, Wauconda, Fox Lake
County: McHenry
Intensity of Use: Unknown
Setting: State park
Directions for parking: From McHenry take Route 120 to Rive Road.  Head south.  Turn right (west) at McHenry Dam Road to park by the Stratton Lock & Dam, or further south, at Park Road, turn left for parking at the main lots  (9 parking areas).

Or from Rt. 12 to 176 west or Rt. 31 to Rt. 176 east to River Road north to Park Road on right or to McHenry Dam Road on left.
Notes:
Pike Marsh Trail (.7 miles) features a 1,300 foot boardwalk through the marsh opened in 1999.

Lake Defiance Trail (3.7 miles) west of the Pike Marsh.  At Junction 'C' head north to the nature center or south to Mc Henry Dam.

Interpretative Trail (.5 miles) offers a self-guided tour through the marsh via a boardwalk, however, bikes are prohibited.

East of the park office, trails are steeper and have many curves so caution is advised.  This is a busy trail as it connects all of the parking areas, but does offer views of Lake Defiance as well as the wooded hills and moraines near the trail.

Whitetail Prairie Junction offers a spur to Lily Lake Rd.

Fox River Trail (2 miles) offers an underpass under River Road and takes you to the other side of the park near the Fox River.  It offers views of the Black Tern Marsh and is relatively flat.  Great views can be found along this trail.

McHenry Dam spur offers views of the dam and a scenic view of the river.  South of this spur offers a narrow levee and views of the river and sloughs.

Northern Woods Junction Trail offers kettles, or water filled depressions covered with moss and leather leaf. 

As the park is filled with wetlands, bring mosquito spray in the summer!

Trail Map:

Rider's Comments: This is a recent addition to the state park system. The glacial lakeland is rolling and the trail goes in and out of wooded areas, into marsh areas or prairies and past lovely lakes. Beware of fine gravel and sand on some of the inclines - this is why a mountain bike is recommended. Don't miss the Interpretive Area on Lake Defiance - a working beehive is a site to behold! In addition to the bike trails, there are foot trails through marsh areas. The bike trails form three loops and are designated for one way travel. This is a nice park system and a great way to spend an entire day with your family.

For Detailed Information Contact:
DNR: Website
Moraine Hills State Park
914 S. River Rd.
McHenry, IL 60050
815-385-1624
 
For Boat Rental or Concession Information
815-385-8272
 
Illinois Department of Conservation Office of Public Information
524 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62701-1787
217-782-7454

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