Prairie Trail:
Illinois, Wisconsin
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Description:
The Prairie Trail-not to be confused with the Illinois Prairie Path-is a 28-mile route starting just 0.8-mile from the Wisconsin-Illinois boarder in Genoa City, Wisconsin, and ending in Algonquin, Illinois. The trail is a beautiful piece of nature tucked away in rural Illinois but still in the backyard of the greater Chicagoland area.
Before you head off, however, keep in mind that preparation is key for an excursion on this trail. Open spaces provide little shade, and there are long stretches between water sources. Be sure to fill your water bottles and pack sunscreen if you're traveling in the warmer months. Throw in your camera, too, and capture this picturesque trail while enjoying a real outdoor adventure.
As the trail heads south from Genoa City, you'll enjoy serene travel on the crushed stone path. Several bridges and interpretive signs mark your journey. Nearly 8 miles in, the surface switches to smooth asphalt, and the next 9 miles are enjoyably straightforward and relaxing.
Near mile 17, the trail becomes hilly-very hilly compared to the surrounding area. For the next 1.5 miles through Sterne's Woods, the trail leaves the rail corridor, undulating and twisting back and forth-a stretch that is likely to get your heart pumping if you're on a bike. The payoff is rich, however, because after the curvy, hilly challenge, you'll come to shining Crystal Lake, where there's a beach, and swimming and picnic areas to spend a fun family day.
At this point, the trail begins to liven up. Count on consistently higher numbers of people using the trail, and brace yourself for a few navigational changes. The farther south you get, the easier it is to get turned around if you're not familiar with the area.
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Parking & Trail Access:
The Genoa City trailhead in Wisconsin is located on a city cul-de-sac and does not provide parking. To access the trail on this end, from US Route 12, take State Route H for a half mile to Grove Avenue, and head south for a quarter mile. When you come to Southeastern Court, where the road curves left, follow it to a crushed stone path that leads through two yards and takes you to the trail. While it is an unconventional access point, there is a playground off the path and it is a short walk to the trail.
To reach the Algonquin trailhead from State Route 31, travel toward Algonquin and turn east on State Route 62. Head north on N. Harrison Street and continue about a quarter mile to the parking lot at Riverfront Park.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Good First Experience
By Turmoil4 in September, 2010
My wife and I rode this trail on Sunday, September 4, 2010. I just bought a new bike and wanted to try it out. I found the trail exciting as we entered in Algonquin and rode all the way to WI state line. Roundtrip it was about 52 miles. I was not expecting the hills in the Crystal Lake forest area. Going down was a thrill but coming up after 40 some miles was excruciating. I just walked them.

Beautiful country-side with plenty of areas to stop and rest. It took us about 4.5 hours riding to make it round trip.
nice with a couple of duds
By greg forrester in June, 2006
"The asphalt sections of the trail from Ringwood to Algonquin ride well as a whole. The section from the south end of Crystal Lake to Algonquin is starting to show its age as it was built in the 1980's and it has occasional bumps.

From Crystal Lake to Ringwood, the trail is in good shape. I found the walk bicycles downhill in Veteran Acres Park , across Terra Cota Road (IL 176) and across rail road crossings to be offensive and need to be removed. "
A very nice ride
By David Glass in May, 2005
"I can't believe no one's reviewed this trail. The northern 7.5 miles are just awful and I've only ridden part of it once on a bike with no suspension. From Ringwood south, though, it's paved asphalt.

A good place to park your car is in McHenry. There's a little park on Route 120 across the street from the IHOP. There's restrooms and vending machines. The ride south has a couple of dangerours street crossings but other than that, it's easy riding with very few people on the trail.

At the north end of Crystal Lake, is Veterans Park. There's a parking lot there. The park has the nastiest hills I've every ridden. There's three steep, winding climbs in each direction and I usually end up walking up at least one hill. It's only about a 2 mile section but it is still awful. Make sure you're in low gear.

South of the park, you ride on quiet side streets. Just follow the signs until you come to Main Street. There it's back on the trail heading south. Again, more parking and restrooms and a bike shop.

South of Crystal Lake, the trail enters a quarry for a 3 mile down hill run to Algonquin where it connects with the Fox River trail. Keep on going all the way to Aurora if you want.

I have found this trail to be well maintained with usually few people on it and convient services along the way. It makes for a very enjoyable ride."
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