Welcome to the Prairie Trail North
Prairie Trail North is an unpaved section that runs between the Village of McHenry northbound thru Richmond and westbound along the Hebron Trail. The trail is shared by horseback riders in warmer months and snowmobilers during the winter. Site users can intersect the trail at numerous points as well as park and ride from Hillside Road Lot, at Peterson Park in McHenry, or at Glacial Park Harts Road Parking Lot in Ringwood.
The trail follows the former Chicago and northwestern rail line that ran from Kane County into Wisconsin. By building the Prairie Trail along portions of the corridor that were abandoned by the railroad and complementing the existing active rail with adjacent trails, the District has recycled an old mode of transportation into one for the future.
Nippersink Creek
Running thru Glacial Park is the Nippersink Creek. A portion of the Prairie Trail crosses the Nippersink North of Harts Road. Nippersink Creek runs about 18 miles starting at Wonder Lake in McHenry County and running to Pistakee Lake (Part of Chain O' Lakes State Park) in Lake County. With the exception of the area near the dam (at Wonder Lake), the entire length can be paddled. There are four developed canoe landings located along the creek providing easy access to the various sections.
Cache Your Way Question
What is the name of the giant trees that may be found growing along the Nippersink Creek in Glacial Park near the camelback kames?
To learn how to participate in the GeoSeries and earn a special District geocoin visit MCCDistrict.org/Geocache
Geocachers
Please join us in playing! Geocaching is a high-tech “treasure hunting” game played throughout the world by adventure seeker. All are welcome who observe and obey the rules.
- Please do not move or vandalize the container.
- Once you find it, log your name in the book, take a trinket and leave one of your own behind for the next person.
- Replace the cache in the same spot that you found it, and make sure it is completely covered.
- Please do not remove the informational card from the containers, this is an essential game piece for cachers completing the GeoSeries.
- The real treasure is finding the container and sharing your thoughts with everyone who finds it.
For a complete list of rules and instructions on how to earn a special district geocoin visit MCCDistrict.org/Geocache
Email geocaching@MCCDistrict.org with any questions or concerns
McHenry County Conservation District Information
Visit our website at MCCDistrict.org or call (815) 338-6223
Photo Release
5/20/2021 Photos posted here may be featured on the McHenry County Conservation District's various social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, and twitter, as well as our website (MCCDistrict.org) and print material such as Landscapes Magazine. By posting photos to this log you agree to allow us to share your work. Photographers will be acknowledged in any shares or posts of photos, so please include your name in your post if it is different from that of your username.