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Fox River Trail – Fox River loop from National Street
49.3km
02:55
140m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 29, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Burtons Bridge, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many routes crisscrossing McHenry County, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the highlights, not the guesswork.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community of local riders has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, giving us the inside scoop on what truly makes Burtons Bridge special for touring cyclists. We've curated this guide to save you the endless scrolling and point you straight to the rides that deliver.
Touring cycling here means embracing the Fox River corridor, with its mix of woodlands, wetlands, and open prairie. The terrain generally offers gentle gradients, making it accessible for many, though some longer routes do include unpaved segments that require a bit more fitness. It’s a real escape from the urban environment, offering tranquil settings and diverse scenery as you explore the conservation areas and state parks.
If you're looking for an easy win with beautiful views, we'd start with the Beautiful view from the shaded area – Leatherleaf Bog Trail loop from Moraine Hills State Park, an easy 9.6 miles (15.5 km) that’s perfect for a relaxed outing. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Fox River – Fox River Trail loop from Crystal Lake offers a demanding 57.1 miles (91.9 km) for a full day on the saddle. With more than 70 touring cyclists already exploring Burtons Bridge with komoot, you're in good company. Get out there and discover your next favorite ride!
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox River Trail – Fox River loop from National Street | 49.3 km | 140 m | Moderate |
| Moraine Hills State Park – Lake Defiance loop from Moraine Hills State Park | 18.0 km | 70 m | Easy |
| Beautiful view from the shaded area – Fox River Dam loop from Island Lake | 27.8 km | 90 m | Easy |
| Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve – Petersen Park Beach loop from Crystal Lake | 31.4 km | 100 m | Easy |
| Moraine Hills State Park – Lake Defiance loop from McHenry | 30.6 km | 150 m | Moderate |
| Petersen Park Beach loop from McHenry | 39.1 km | 140 m | Moderate |
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49.3km
02:55
140m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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18.0km
01:05
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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27.8km
01:38
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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31.4km
01:53
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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30.6km
01:51
150m
150m
The Moraine Hills State Park – Lake Defiance loop from McHenry is a fantastic touring cycling route that winds through a unique glacial landscape. You'll pedal along a mix of paved sections and crushed limestone paths, including a one-way gravel trail that encircles the picturesque 48-acre glacial Lake Defiance. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife, especially birds, as you navigate the park's wetlands, prairies, and wooded hills.
This moderate 19.0-mile (30.6 km) ride, with 498 feet (152 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 51 minutes. It's considered an easy road ride suitable for most fitness levels, though you will encounter some short, rolling hills that can be surprisingly steep. The well-maintained and clearly marked trails, many of which are one-way for cyclists, contribute to a pleasant and accessible experience.
What truly sets this route apart is its distinctive geology, a direct result of ancient glacial activity, creating features like moraines, kames, and kettles. The park also offers access to the Fox River and the McHenry Dam, adding to the scenic variety. It's an excellent choice for family friendly bike trails in Moraine Hills State Park, providing a constantly changing and engaging environment for cyclists.
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39.1km
03:02
140m
140m
The Petersen Park Beach loop from McHenry offers a delightful touring cycling experience through a landscape rich with glacial history. You'll wind through rolling prairies, peaceful oak savannas, and past wetlands and lakes, with the Fox River often nearby. The route is mostly paved, providing a smooth ride, and leads you to the tranquil Petersen Park, a 78.9-acre green space with a beach on McCullom Lake, offering a picturesque spot to pause.
This moderate 24.3-mile (39.1 km) loop, with 456 feet (139 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to complete. Petersen Park provides convenient parking, restrooms, and drinking water, making it easy to start and finish your ride. The beach on McCullom Lake is open seasonally, so consider checking ahead if you plan to enjoy its amenities.
This loop is a great example of the extensive cycling opportunities in McHenry County, connecting natural preserves and parks. The area's commitment to improving biking infrastructure means you'll find a well-maintained route that showcases diverse ecosystems and scenic viewpoints, making it a popular choice among McHenry Illinois cycling routes.
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The Crystal Lake Brewing Company taproom is a popular stop for cyclists coming through Crystal Lake. Aside from good drinks, the taproom has a rotation of food trucks serviing food.
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The Dundee Visitor Center, also known as "The Depot, is a popular stop along the Fox River Trail. It has restrooms, water, and information on local tourist attractions.
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This Fox River Trail is in Illinois. It's a beautiful trail that runs 45.7 miles along the Fox River in Illinois from Algonquin, south to Oswego.
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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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The Prairie Trail, spanning McHenry County, is a key component of the broader Grand Illinois Trail. Covering just over 26 miles, it starts at the Wisconsin border, weaving through northern farmlands and woodlands before reaching the suburban landscapes of southern Chicago. Along its path, the trail shifts from gravel to asphalt and passes through eight communities, including those overseen by the McHenry County Conservation District.
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Veteran Acres Park is a gem with its wooded areas and the lovely Wingate Prairie spanning about 30 acres. This vibrant space is home to beautiful flowers like asters, blazing stars, and sunflowers. You'll also find prairies with plants that thrive in drier conditions, along with scattered pine woods, adding to the park's natural charm.
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The views across to Fox River and beyond are fantastic from here. It is especially good as the sun sets. Keep your eyes peeled for the varied bird life around the river.
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There are 8 touring cycling routes available around Burtons Bridge, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes are well-integrated into the region's extensive trail network.
The routes around Burtons Bridge offer a mix of paved paths and varied terrain. You'll find options suitable for different skill levels, with 6 easy routes and 2 moderate routes. There are no difficult routes listed, making the area accessible for many touring cyclists.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Burtons Bridge are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Beautiful view from the shaded area – Leatherleaf Bog Trail loop from Moraine Hills State Park and the Beautiful view from the shaded area – Fox River Dam loop from Island Lake are popular circular options.
The touring cycling routes often feature the scenic Fox River and pass through various conservation areas and nature preserves. You can explore highlights such as the Lone Tree at Moraine Hills State Park, Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve, and sections of the Prairie Trail and Fox River Trail. The region is known for its open spaces and diverse habitats.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic views, particularly along the Fox River, and the well-maintained trails within Moraine Hills State Park and other conservation areas. The variety of easy to moderate routes is also frequently appreciated.
Absolutely. Many of the routes, especially the 6 easy ones, are suitable for families. The extensive network of trails, including sections of the Fox River Trail and Prairie Trail, offers smooth, paved paths that are ideal for leisurely rides with children. The Beautiful view from the shaded area – Lake Defiance loop from Moraine Hills State Park is an easy, shorter option perfect for a family outing.
Many trails in McHenry County, including sections of the Fox River Trail and those within Conservation Districts, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to check specific regulations for each park or preserve you plan to visit, as rules regarding leashes and waste disposal can vary. Generally, dogs must be kept on a leash.
Parking is generally available at trailheads and access points for major trails like the Fox River Trail and within conservation areas such as Moraine Hills State Park. Specific parking information can often be found on the websites of the McHenry County Conservation District or individual park pages.
While Burtons Bridge itself is a smaller community, the broader McHenry County area has some public transport options that may connect to towns along the major trail networks like the Fox River Trail. However, direct public transport access to all trailheads might be limited, so planning your route and checking local transit schedules is recommended.
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for touring cycling in the Burtons Bridge area. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer provides lush greenery, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. While some trails may be accessible in winter, conditions can be challenging due to snow and ice, so check local weather and trail reports.
For most public trails managed by the McHenry County Conservation District, individual permits for cycling are generally not required. However, it's always a good idea to check the official website of the McHenry County Conservation District for the most up-to-date information on any specific trail fees or regulations that might apply to certain areas or activities.
Many of the touring cycling routes, especially those following the Fox River Trail, pass through or near charming towns. These towns often offer various amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and pubs where you can stop for refreshments. Planning your route with potential stops in mind can enhance your cycling experience.


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