Find the top rated atv trails in Dekalb, whether you're looking for an easy short atv trail or a long atv trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a atv trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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.
Hennepin segment in this review: Sterling to Tampico
Bike: Specialized Sirus hybrid
Type of biker: casual, but I bike daily and can handle 25-35 mile rides
Weather: sunny, warm, upper 70's and dry.
Trail conditions: dry
Bike recommendation: no street bikes. Perfect for hybrid and mountain.
Other recommendations: sun protection, excess water, small protein bar or similar, phone, sunglasses, small towelette for sweat.
I started this trail at its entrance on the Sterling side of the Rock River.
Crossing the Rock was a nice starter. On the western dam side, a group of pelicans and their babies swam in the water. Can't say I've ever seen pelicans in Illinois before.
Once you reach the Rock Falls side the trail adjoins the Hennepin canal for the rest of the ride. In warm weather you're likely to see a lot of people fishing all the way down to the I88 underpass.
Heading south of I88 you aren't likely to see anyone. The trail is in decent shape being earthen based and I didn't see much more than small twigs on my ride south. There's easily a good 7-8 miles where you don't see much of anything manmade with the exception of crossing a road.
If you're a bird lover, this area will highly appeal. During my 25-mile journey I must have seen at least 50-75 orioles, a variety of blue colored birds, cardinals, several colors of finch, and a bird that has white tipped feathers that I've never seen before. I'm not a birder but they are beautiful to watch. The canal itself is clean with occasional turtles perched on logs.
There was only one spot on my segment with bathrooms, and that was closer to Tampico. The rest of the trail is devoid of bathrooms, benches and other amenities.
Some additional observations regarding this part of the trail:
Google maps indicate that a sunflower field is near the intersection of the trail and Star Road. There isn't. The area is entirely corn fields.
For rides longer than 5-10 miles, make sure to bring your own hydration and food. I bike daily and can handle long rides. But back here it gets rather warm. Water consumption for me was a little bit greater, and I even found a need to eat a protein bar to steady my energy level.
Importantly; a 25-mile ride back here will feel like well over 35. While the trail is in good shape, you do make a lot of dodges to avoid branches, twigs, holes, hanging bushes and other deterrents. The earthen path also slows your speed.
I didn't quite make it to downtown Tampico as I had original set out to do. My halfway point became Fargo Rd, at which point, I could see the little city of Tampico from a distance.
This leg of the trail completed my third on the Hennepin Canal Trail. It's a very peaceful trail with a lot of upside.
Cheers.
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.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
This is my favorite rail to trail in the Chicago area. I ride a gravel bike. The wide open spaces and rural scenery is a relaxed vibe. I park at Sugar Creek Admin Center which has a nice parking lot and go all the way to the end just over the Kankakee River at Custer. My favorite section is the area that’s next to the Midewin Tall Grass Prairie. My tips for you if you’re going 40 miles round trip, water, a Gatorade, small snack. Folks on the trail are friendly and wave however once you get to the bridge crossing Hwy 102, things get weird. I don’t know why but the vibes are negative and you can feel it. I always want to see the river but again, bad vibes.
I haven’t done the complete trail, only the part in the park near the rec-center. The portion in the park is paved, asphalt, and is mostly wooded. Plenty of turns and short climbs/decent. Visibility isn’t great due to trees and turns so not a top speed location. I did 2 laps in the park with my special needs son using his adaptive bike. Several other trail users were walking. There is a portion of this trail that runs along Lynne Blvd. That part is essentially a sidewalk or off-street path. We did not go on that portion.
Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.
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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