Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Machesney Park, 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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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.
My honey had not.rode a bike in many years and didn't want to ride around a lot of people. So when we found this trail it became a favorite, very few people, flat, nice flowers and views. The parking is really easy at both ends.
Beautiful multi-use trail. It is the only trail open to ATV/UTV’s in Southern WI
The trail from rusty nail north to Richmond was very rough and I lost the screws to my kick stand with all the bumps in the trail is there any plans to help smooth them out — I understand the horses share the trail but if they could help by staying to one side so us bikers have a chance on using the trail with out so many bumps dug into the paths¿
This trail starts behind my home in sycamore. I’ve ridden it dozens of times. I like to stop at the winners circle at the speedway and grab lunch. Flat and well maintained.
This is a short path off the north end of the Kishwaukee-Kiwanis Trail. It was freshly repaved for a smooth ride with nice greenery on each side and a bridge over the river near the northwest end. The path is handicapped accessible and there was no traffic on the neighborhood cross streets. I didn't linger, but based on the number of squirrels crossing the path, I could imagine seeing a fair amount of wildlife at the right time of day.
I rode out-and-back on this trail and the connecting DeKalb Nature Trail on a warm Sunday afternoon. The good news is that there is no on-road component to this trail. It is all paved and passes under a few roads and a railroad as it follows the S. Branch Kishwaukee River. I started at the south end at Lions Park and immediately had to cross Taylor Street. There is basically no signage along the trail. Fortunately someone had painted some arrows on the pavement, apparently for a 5K race. The crossing at Lucinda was a little odd where you have to cut slightly west to cross at a driveway. There's a nice ramp to get you under, then over, the N. 1st Street bridge, then there's an at grade crossing at Hillcrest. All-in-all, it's not bad getting across those roads.
The trail smoothness varies. It's a little bumpy in areas, but not too bad. The least pleasant ride is adjacent to Sycamore Road near the north end of the trail. Through the wooded sections, there were areas of crunchy Osage orange and walnut(?) shells to traverse, but it's fall so that's probably to be expected. The scenery is suburban with a good dose of parkland. The trail seems to have more use by walkers than by riders. The round trip was 11.5 miles.
Started this trail at the east end (Floyd Tilton Park). The trail is asphalt and in good condition. On the east side, the ride parallels the small Kyte River. As others have mentioned, you pass under the busier roads, which is nice. The trail swings around the high school, then south along 20th Street. There is an extension that heads west from Squire Landings, cutting through cornfields and then paralleling the RR tracks. I did an out-and-back on this section, then rode back to the starting point along 10th Ave. Traffic was low on a Saturday afternoon. After the ride, I went down to Rochelle Rail Park to absorb some local history and watch a couple of trains go by. I'd probably ride this trail more often if I lived closer.
Trail is in great shape. Nice smooth surface, hard packed , very tiny stones if any. Trail west of Burlington is maybe more scenic and goes through 2 small towns. Very flat so get to pedal the whole way. Lots of shade along the way. Found a good route to get through Burlington. Look up city bike routes on city website.
9/13/25 We began at the east end of the Lower Yahara Trail and then picked up the City Trail from there. Both trails were in exceptional condition. Traffic was busy, however the weather in mid-September in the low 80's certainly brought people out. A very friendly trail by anyone's standards. Well worth the 50 minute drive to get here. This is the second September we've rode this trail.
9/13/25 We began at the east end of the Lower Yahara Trail and then picked up the City Trail from there. Both trails were in exceptional condition. Traffic was busy, however the weather in mid-September in the low 80's certainly brought people out. A very friendly trail by anyone's standards. Well worth the 50 minute drive to get here. This is the second September we've rode this trail.
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