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Print Friendly MapThe Hononegah Recreation Path begins near the State Route 2 bridge over the Rock River in Rockton, a small town about 4 miles south of the Illinois–Wisconsin border. The paved trail follows Hononegah Road (County Highway 8) southeast for 3 miles, connecting residential and commercial areas.
Although it parallels a busy thoroughfare, some parts of the pathway are dotted with trees and, about mid-way, it travels through the picturesque Hononegah Forest Preserve. Here, you can find drinking water, restrooms, athletic fields and hiking paths. An underpass beneath Hononegah Road also provides access to Kelly-Meyers Park.
The eastern end of the trail goes under State Route 251 (N. 2nd Street) and into Roscoe, ending at Main Street. From here, the Kinstone Recreational Path can take you northeast through woodlands along North Kinnikinnick Creek to the Stone Bridge Trail, a scenic 6-mile-long rail-trail.
Alternatively, go south from Elevator Road to hop on the Leland Path, which follows Main Street through Roscoe and then turns east at Chestnut Road and travels past Leland Park to reach the Stone Bridge Trail.
Parking can be found in the Hononegah Forest Preserve (#80 Hononegah Road, Rockton) and in Kelly-Meyers Park (12599 Wilmington Close, Roscoe).
Wilma and I walked this path the full length back and forth over two days once. We parked at the forest preserve both days and went west the first day and east the second day.
It runs along a busy road mostly thru residential and retail areas.
The path is well maintained and mostly flat, although there is a fairly steep grade where it goes under Route 251.
The part west of the forest preserve does not seem to get as much use as the part between the FP and route 251.
I posted some pictures and video at http://ilbob.blogspot.com/2012/01/hononegah-recreation-path-1-7-12-and-1.html.
The part at the far eastern end runs thru a wooded area along a creek and is quite nice. I think this is better as a bike path than a hiking trail. But it is not bad for a nice walk, although I don't like the traffic.
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