Trail Distance:
17 Miles
Trail Surface: Paved and crushed limestone
Type of Use: Tour
Towns: ?
County: Lake
Intensity of Use: Light
Setting: State Park
Connecting Trails: None
Directions for parking: From the south take Route 12 north of the town ofFox Lake. Turn right onto Wilmot Road. Continue 2 miles to the main park entrance. Thenorthern area of the park (Oak Point) can be accessed from Route 173 just south of theWisconsin border and west of Channel Lake.
Trail Map:
Rider's Comments: This 2,793-acre state park near the town of Fox Lakehas one of the best trail systems in the area. You'll discover almost 17 miles of trail,including 6 miles of multi-use paths open to bicyclists.
While you can access trails near the Wilmot Road entrance or at any of the picnic areas,one of the better spots to start your hike is at the north end of the park road (see traildiagram). You'll find some interesting wildlife displays at the park office there and agood view of the valley and the Fox River in the distance. Restrooms, drinking water, andbike racks are available.
Each multi-use trail is marked with different colored posts, so you'll always know whereyou are. The trailhead for the 1.75-mile Gold Finch Trail (yellow) is to the west as youleave the park office. The trail loops through a medley of woodlands, open fields,marshes, and along the banks of the Fox River. It intersects with the Badger Trail(white), another loop that traverses mostly open meadow and prairie covering the rollinghills.
Additionally, there is the Sunset Trail that ends at Catfish Cove near the Maple GroveBoat Launch. Concessions, a public telephone, restrooms, and a picnic area are located atCatfish Cove. The nearby 2.5-mile Nature's Way Trail wanders through an oak and hickoryforest, runs along a marsh and sedge meadow, and overlooks Grass Lake with itscattail-lined shore. And there are still other trails to be explored.
Chain O' Lakes also offers 8 miles of equestrian trails on the west side of the park.These trails are open to hikers but bicyclists are not allowed.
For Detailed Information Contact:
Illinois Department of Conservation
For Calendar of Events in Surrounding Communities Contact:
