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
Show Location Map +
- Display Map!
- Download Map - 6MB PDF
©2010 WINNEBAGO COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT
Deer Run
594.8-acre Deer Run is southeast of Rockford, accessible from River Road as well as the south branch of the Kishwaukee River. Offers picnic tables and over 9 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, which connect with Oak Ridge to the south. It offers relatively undeveloped natural areas as well as prairie restoration areas.
Acres: 594.8
Access Road: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Drinking Water: No
Pay Phones: No
Picnic Tables: 6
Shelterhouses: 0
Playground Equipment: No
Ball Fields: No
Horseback Trails: Yes
Equestrian Trailer Parking: Yes
Equestrian self-registration: Yes
Hiking Trails(miles): 9.5
Campground Sites: 0
Boat Launches: 0
Canoe Access: Yes
18 Hole Golf Course: No
Illinois Nature Preserve: No
Special Facilities: Conservation Area
Donated Land: No
Natural Areas: Yes
All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE
Trail Map
Download a printable trail map here.
Location - 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016
3 miles southeast of Rockford city limits on River Road.
