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Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve – Petersen Park Beach loop from Crystal Lake

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve – Petersen Park Beach loop from Crystal Lake

Easy

4.6

(4825)

12,044

riders

Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve – Petersen Park Beach loop from Crystal Lake

01:54

31.4km

90m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 13, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 6.36 km for 9.33 km

Open: • sunrise-sunset (otherwise closed)

After 16.1 km for 9.33 km

Open: • sunrise-sunset (otherwise closed)

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

3.69 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 rugged timber trails have offered hiking, biking and even fall wagon rides amid protected wilderness barely beyond the city limits.

Tip by

4.12 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

15.9 km

Petersen Park Beach

Highlight • Beach

Peterson Park Beach is set on McCullom Lake which is located at the northwest edge of McHenry. This is a very popular pay and go fishing and swimming spot. There are also lifeguards present at the location if you fancy a dip in the water.

Tip by

19.8 km

Cold Springs Park

Nature Reserve

28.6 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 farmlands and woodlands before reaching the suburban landscapes of southern Chicago. Along its path, the trail shifts from gravel to asphalt and passes through eight communities, including those overseen by the McHenry County Conservation District.

Tip by

29.9 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 stars, and sunflowers. You'll also find prairies with plants that thrive in drier conditions, along with scattered pine woods, adding to the park's natural charm.

Tip by

31.1 km

Crystal Lake Brewing Company

Highlight • Pub

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

31.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

28.8 km

1.61 km

448 m

257 m

130 m

128 m

Surfaces

26.8 km

3.35 km

732 m

499 m

< 100 m

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)

Weather

Today

Sunday 26 July

32°C

21°C

37 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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

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Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve – Petersen Park Beach loop from Crystal Lake

Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve

Sterne’s Fen Nature Preserve

Petersen Park Beach

The Prairie Trail

Veteran Acres Park

Crystal Lake Brewing Company

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