Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Belvidere, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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8/2/26 drove over an hour to experience, well lets say "much ado about very little" While from the trail preview it appeared interesting, this is one trail we'll not be returning to. Sorry Beloit, we bailed and went to Janesville's Ice Age Trail.
I have been riding this trail for three years now. (2024 - 2026) No more. The gravel has, in many places, turned dusty, deep and slippery. You might enjoy the gravel on a gravel bike. I ride a skinny tire road bike. OK for the first two years. Not OK this year.
Bike type: Hybrid (Specialized Sirus 2019)
Conditions: mid-70's, light breeze, dry
Segment biked: Just south of Algonquin to Barnard Mill Rd (north of McHenry) = 40 miles
I started my ride around 9:30am on a July Friday. I had biked a few miles of the trail just north of downtown Algonquin before, the rest was new to me. Perfect conditions motivated me in every way. Perfect temps, full sun, and breeze kept me going for my longest ride since 1997.
The entire path that I rode was asphalt. There are a couple of deviations through downtown areas when you're on sidewalks or streets. But everything was paved. Riding from town to town has always been a favorite, but the Prairie trail gie you even more than that. North of Crystal Lake you'll find miles on end of straight path and very little to see except nature. There's also Sterne's Woods, which really threw me for a loop. Can't say I've ever seen signs that tell bikers to dismount. Then you find out why. There are several hills back here to test your fortitude. At least three hills look to be close to a 45-degree angles. If you're riding these as I did, be careful and make sure you're only tempting them in optimal conditions (dry, no wind). Just coasting pushed me close to 40mph. These hills are as tough as they come to climb in Illinois. Algonquin, Crystal Lake and McHenry all offer pitstops if you need one. I saw two other parking lots away from the towns with benches and bathrooms. I had read from other reviewers that the path north of Barnard Mill Rd was gravel and dicey, so I didn't tempt that. My hybrid tires can hold their own, but it only takes one sharp piece of gravel to strand you far from your starting point. All in all, this path is a 10 out of 10 in my opinion. It's extremely well kept up, very diverse, ridable for any type of bike, with amenities and beauty along the way.
Poorly marked. Several sections are in need of repair. Several unexpected "end of trail" dead ends. Very disappointed. Wish a safe route was created to hook up with the White River State Trail, which is only a few miles away, but to access it you need to traverse country roads posted at 55 MPH and with little to no shoulder.
Good easy trail. Started in New Glarus and went foe about 2 miles.
We took this trail from the Wild Goose trail but had no idea we would be on so many roads. As you got closer to Watertown, you are also on the road. We personally try to avoid roads as much as possible so we didn’t like this part. We only went to Watertown from the North so I am not sure what the rest of the trail is like. The actual bike paths are great.
I think it was a nice trail. We started out in Rochester and went north Very flat so there is constant pedaling. Good signage. No bathrooms until Meyer Park or Heg park and pray they are open.
As of June 15th, the trail is now open between Burlington and Lyon.
We rode the entire northern section this spring. 10 miles one way. Best place to park if you want to start in Round Lake Beach is the Round Lake Beach Elementary School parking lot. It's about a block and a half off the trail near the west terminus.
Most of the trail is well manicured fine limestone. Very good condition throughout. Scenery is excellent.
The signage is ok. Some intersections are well marked and others not marked at all.
There are several spur loops and many neighborhood access spurs. Use a map, these can get very confusing.
It loses a star for the signage and some rather intimidating grade crossings near the west end.
Between Spring Valley road trailhead and Lyon the trail was closed due to 2 bridges being washed out
My wife and I just purchased two e-Bikes and decided to use this place for our maiden voyage. This was also our first time at this state park. We really enjoyed the tails and the nature. We will be returning with cameras and fishing poles.
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