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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Illinois
Mchenry County

Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve – Veteran Acres Park loop from Peter J Exner Marsh Conservation Area parking

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Illinois
Mchenry County

Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve – Veteran Acres Park loop from Peter J Exner Marsh Conservation Area parking

Moderate

2.9

(13)

40

riders

Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve – Veteran Acres Park loop from Peter J Exner Marsh Conservation Area parking

03:05

51.9km

200m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 21, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 22.5 km for 11.3 km

Open: • sunrise-sunset (otherwise closed)

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

10.4 km

McHenry County Prairie Trail (Grand Illinois Trail Section)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Grand Illinois Trail (GIT) is a multi use hiking and biking trail that is nearly 500-miles long. Initiated in the mid-1990s, the Grand Illinois Trail is now a high …

Tip by

2

13.6 km

Three Oaks Recreation Area

Highlight • Lake

This area was once an abandoned quarry. In the late 90s, Crystal Lake city began transforming it into a natural area. The revived habitats are now home to an array …

Tip by

3

17.7 km

The Prairie Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Prairie Trail, spanning McHenry County, is a key component of the broader Grand Illinois Trail. Covering just over 26 miles, it starts at the Wisconsin border, weaving through northern …

Tip by

4

19.8 km

Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

Runners can wander woodsy trails or connect to the McHenry County Prairie Trail during outings in Sterne’s Fen Nature Preserve. Since gaining Illinois Nature Preserve status in 1994, the site’s …

Tip by

5

20.3 km

Sterne’s Fen Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

Enjoy cycling through the beautiful Sterne’s Fen Nature Preserve. This place became an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1994 and offers rugged tree lined paths for biking. It's a perfect spot for a ride not too far from Chicago!

Tip by

28.1 km

Cold Springs Park

Nature Reserve

7

38.3 km

Veteran Acres Park

Highlight • Forest

Veteran Acres Park is a gem with its wooded areas and the lovely Wingate Prairie spanning about 30 acres. This vibrant space is home to beautiful flowers like asters, blazing …

Tip by

8

39.4 km

The Crystal Lake Brewing Company taproom is a popular stop for cyclists coming through Crystal Lake. Aside from good drinks, the taproom has a rotation of food trucks serviing food.

Tip by

9

42.3 km

Crystal Lake

Highlight • Lake

Crystal Lake Main Beach or as it is commonly known, Main Beach, is definitely one of the recreation jewels of the Crystal Lake Park District. It provides a venue with …

Tip by

B

51.9 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

42.1 km

6.22 km

2.86 km

447 m

180 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

38.4 km

12.2 km

1.07 km

250 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (280 m)

Lowest point (230 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Monday 18 May

28°C

18°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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