There are 40 individual forest preserves for the purpose of protecting the natural beauty of Winnebago County, as well as for education and recreation.
The forest preserves provide over 9,500 acres of property for the use and enjoyment of the general public. Lush woods, picturesque streams, dramatic cliffs and dells, unspoiled prairies and native wildlife are treasures to be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages.
Hiking, camping, canoeing, picnicking, fishing, bird watching and cross-country skiing are recreational activities available at sites throughout the county.
wcfpd preserves –
- Atwood Homestead
- Blackhawk Springs
- Carl & Lois Klehm
- Clayton Andrews
- Colored Sands
- Deer Run
- Espenscheid Memorial
- Four Lakes
- Fuller Memorial
- Hartley Memorial
- Headquarters
- Hinchliff Memorial
- Hononegah
- Indian Hills
- J. Norman Jensen
- Kieselburg
- Kilbuck Bluffs
- Kishwaukee Gorge North
- Kishwaukee Gorge South
- Kishwaukee River
- Laona Heights
- Ledges
- Macktown
- McKiski
- Millrace Isle
- Oak Ridge
- Pecatonica River
- Pecatonica Wetlands
- Rockford Rotary
- Roland Olson
- Severson Dells
- Seward Bluffs
- Sugar River
- Sugar River Alder
- Trailside
- Trask Bridge
- Two Rivers
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©2010 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Blackhawk Springs
Blackhawk Springs is accessible from Mulford and Perryville Roads. This 629.9-acre preserve is one of the largest in the District. This tract is heavily wooded, and provides a wealth of fishing and hiking activities. A new 2-mile paved recreation trail winds through both woods and prairie.
Acres: 629.9
Access Road: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Pay Phones: No
Picnic Tables: 47
Shelterhouses: 1
Indian Springs: 200 max. people, 25 tables, 150 seats, Electricity, No vehicle access, 30 more tables in the area for a total of 300 people.
Playground Equipment: Yes
Ball Fields: Yes
Horseback Trails: No
Hiking Trails(miles): 7.5
Campground Sites: 0
Boat Launches: 0
Canoe Access: Yes
18 Hole Golf Course: No
Illinois Nature Preserve: No
Special Facilities: Paved Recreation Trail
Donated Land: No
Natural Areas: Yes
All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE.
Trail Map
Download a printable trail map here.
Location - 5360 Mulford Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016
3 miles southeast of Rockford city limits on Mulford Road.
Shelterhouses 360° Views
