Winnebago County Forest Preserve District celebrates over 80 years of providing open spaces and green places for recreation, education and preservation. The District’s first preserve, Hononegah, was purchased in 1924.
Today the Forest Preserve District maintains over 9,500 acres at 40 sites throughout the county. Nature preserves, golf courses, campgrounds, environmental education centers, botanic gardens, hiking trails and boat launches serve millions of Winnebago County residents and visitors each year.
©2012 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Hiking
Hiking and walking are popular activities in the forest preserves! All totaled, the District’s preserves offer 87 miles of hiking trails in a wide variety of terrain. Most of the trails are flat and comfortable; a few locations offer paved trails that are rugged and challenging.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Hiking in the forest preserves is an excellent way to reconnect with family and the natural world. Remember, hiking is excellent exercise too! A 150–pound person burns 200-475 calories and gains cardiovascular conditioning in an hour of vigorous hiking. So, refresh, reconnect and get fit – Take a hike! To view all of the District’s preserves and the facilities they offer, including number of miles of hiking trails.
Three of our most scenic preserves offer paved, handicap accessible trails. Blackhawk Springs, Severson Dells and Klehm Arboretum have paved trails so that people using walkers, strollers and wheelchairs can enjoy the outdoors. The paved paths at these locations are cleared during the winter when special events are taking place.
A Recreation Path Guide will be available later this year showing length and locations of trails throughout the county, call (815) 877-6100.
