The Willow Creek Path is a pleasant, tree-lined trail that follows its namesake creek for most of its journey through the communities of Machesney Park and Loves Park in the Rockford metropolitan area. It extends from Harlem High School into Rock Cut State Park, one of the most-visited state parks in Illinois. As you enter the park, you can also connect with the
Perryville Path, which travels about 6 miles south through residential and commercial areas.
The pathway runs adjacent to the Dennis Johnson Memorial Park as well, which offers volleyball, tennis and basketball courts.
The western end of the trail begins south of the Harlem High School parking lot (1 Huskie Circle, Machesney Park).
The eastern trail endpoint is located in Rock Cut State Park (7318 Harlem Road) at the Lake View Trailhead and picnic area on the west side of Pierce Lake. Note that the park closes at 10 p.m. during the spring and summer and 5 p.m. during the winter. Visit the
park's website for details.
Fran dropped us off at Rock Cut State Park and we walked home. I took some video along the path.
http://ilbob.blogspot.com/2012/05/20120526-willow-creek-bike-path.html
I took a closer look inside Dennis Johnson park along the way this time for facilities. ...
It extends from Harlem High School to the dam at Rock Cut State Park along Willow Creek. Mostly we just do some or all of the trail that is inside the park, but once we made the trek from the dam all the way to the school, and then home. I think outside ...