Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Winnebago County

Loves Park

Pierce Lake loop

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Winnebago County

Loves Park

Pierce Lake loop

Easy

4.8

(6)

hikers

Pierce Lake loop

Q: How long does it take to hike the Pierce Lake loop?

The Pierce Lake loop is approximately 4.1 to 4.4 miles long and typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace.

Q: What is the terrain like on the Pierce Lake loop?

The trail is mostly flat, winding through dense woods and along the lake. You'll encounter some sandy sections and grassy areas. Occasionally, the path might disappear in these grassy spots or campgrounds, requiring you to follow the lakeshore to pick it up again.

Q: What can I see along the route?

You'll enjoy consistent lakeside views, dense woods, and open grassy areas. A notable point is crossing the dam, which offers expansive views of Pierce Lake . The park is also known for diverse vegetation and birdwatching opportunities.

Q: Is the Pierce Lake loop dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly, making it a great option for hiking with your canine companion.

Q: When is the best time of year to hike this loop?

The loop is enjoyable in spring, summer, and fall. These seasons offer pleasant weather and vibrant scenery. Winter hiking is restricted as about half of the trail is groomed for skiing and off-limits to hikers.

Q: Can I hike the Pierce Lake loop in winter?

During winter, approximately half of the trail is groomed for skiing, making those sections off-limits to hikers and snowshoers. It's best to visit in spring, summer, or fall for a complete hiking experience.

Q: Where can I park to access the Pierce Lake loop?

The Pierce Lake loop is located within Rock Cut State Park. There are various parking areas within the park that provide access to different sections of the loop. Check the park map upon arrival for the most convenient trailhead parking.

Q: Are there any fees or permits required to hike in Rock Cut State Park?

Rock Cut State Park, where the Pierce Lake loop is located, generally does not charge an entrance fee for day use. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for any current regulations or permit requirements, especially for activities like camping or boating.

Q: What kind of wildlife might I see on the trail?

The park is known for its diverse vegetation and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. You might also spot geese in the open grassy areas and other local wildlife common to Illinois state parks.

Q: Does the Pierce Lake loop connect to other trails?

Yes, the route connects to other paths within Rock Cut State Park, allowing for customized longer or shorter hikes. Specifically, sections of the Grand Illinois Trail - Rock Cut State Park to McHenry , Lone Rock Trail , and Willow Creek Trail overlap with or branch off from this loop.

01:38

6.40km

20m

Hiking

The Pierce Lake loop offers a delightful blend of lakeside serenity and shaded forest paths, making it a popular choice for a relaxed outing. As you circle Pierce Lake, you'll enjoy diverse scenery, from open water views, including a long vista from the dam, to dense woodlands that provide ample shade. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer, muskrats, and a variety of birds, adding to the natural appeal of this easy 4.0-mile (6.4 km) hike.

Planning your visit to this trail within Rock Cut State Park is simple, with parking readily available. The route is mostly flat, with only 72 feet (22 metres) of elevation gain, and takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete. While generally easy to follow, some sections near campgrounds can be less defined, so staying close to the lakeshore will keep you on track. It's a great option for a quick escape, easily accessible from Interstate 90.

This multi-use trail is not just for hiking; it's also popular for mountain biking and cross-country skiing in winter, though some areas may be groomed for skiing. The park's convenient location near Loves Park, Illinois, makes it an ideal spot for a casual outing or to complement other park activities like fishing or boating. It's also a dog-friendly route, perfect for bringing your furry companion along.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.42 km

Pierce Lake

Highlight • Lake

Pierce Lake is popular with fishermen: a multitude of fish wallow in its waters. It's an excellent destination for a walk in nature.

Tip by

6.40 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.13 km

2.91 km

351 m

Surfaces

2.86 km

2.15 km

813 m

477 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 1 July

34°C

24°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: -- km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

This route was planned by komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike the Pierce Lake loop?

The Pierce Lake loop is approximately 4.1 to 4.4 miles long and typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace.

What is the terrain like on the Pierce Lake loop?

The trail is mostly flat, winding through dense woods and along the lake. You'll encounter some sandy sections and grassy areas. Occasionally, the path might disappear in these grassy spots or campgrounds, requiring you to follow the lakeshore to pick it up again.

What can I see along the route?

You'll enjoy consistent lakeside views, dense woods, and open grassy areas. A notable point is crossing the dam, which offers expansive views of Pierce Lake. The park is also known for diverse vegetation and birdwatching opportunities.

Is the Pierce Lake loop dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly, making it a great option for hiking with your canine companion.

When is the best time of year to hike this loop?

The loop is enjoyable in spring, summer, and fall. These seasons offer pleasant weather and vibrant scenery. Winter hiking is restricted as about half of the trail is groomed for skiing and off-limits to hikers.

Can I hike the Pierce Lake loop in winter?

During winter, approximately half of the trail is groomed for skiing, making those sections off-limits to hikers and snowshoers. It's best to visit in spring, summer, or fall for a complete hiking experience.

Where can I park to access the Pierce Lake loop?

The Pierce Lake loop is located within Rock Cut State Park. There are various parking areas within the park that provide access to different sections of the loop. Check the park map upon arrival for the most convenient trailhead parking.

Are there any fees or permits required to hike in Rock Cut State Park?

Rock Cut State Park, where the Pierce Lake loop is located, generally does not charge an entrance fee for day use. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for any current regulations or permit requirements, especially for activities like camping or boating.

What kind of wildlife might I see on the trail?

The park is known for its diverse vegetation and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. You might also spot geese in the open grassy areas and other local wildlife common to Illinois state parks.

Does the Pierce Lake loop connect to other trails?

Yes, the route connects to other paths within Rock Cut State Park, allowing for customized longer or shorter hikes. Specifically, sections of the

Grand Illinois Trail - Rock Cut State Park to McHenry

Lone Rock Trail

, and

Willow Creek Trail

overlap with or branch off from this loop.

Is the Pierce Lake loop suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the loop is typically rated as easy to moderate and is considered suitable for various fitness levels, including beginners and families. Its mostly flat terrain and accessible paths make it a good choice for a leisurely outing.