Popular Path Systems in Richmond, IL
When you live in Pheasant Ridge, you’re never far from walking trails that allow for fresh air, beautiful scenery and historic sites. Richmond has an impressive path system to explore! Residents of all ages have a safe, no-cost way to incorporate exercise into their daily lives, avoid congested streets, and experience the natural and historic beauty of this quaint city. Listed below are the top trails that are must-visits for the upcoming warmer weather.
Glacial Park is McHenry County Conservation District’s most treasured open space. Rolling prairies, kames, oak savanna and the tranquil presence of the meandering Nippersink Creek all make-up the characteristics of this beloved trail. Encompassing 3,432 acres, Glacial Park contains over 400 acres of dedicated nature preserve; harbors 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species and are listed as one of the top five areas to view migratory wetland birds in the region.
Residents and visitors can take a trip to the Lost Valley Visitor Center for a peek at changing exhibits. From there they can stop in the Sandhill Study for trail maps, guidebooks, and activity pages, as well as update on upcoming featured programs, outdoor concerts or workshops. Gather your picnic and have lunch at the outdoor stone amphitheater, Kettle lot picnic area, or reserve the Harts Road Shelter for your outing.
The Park is also rich in natural and cultural history. The historic Powers-Walker home offers special events and open houses for the public to get a glimpse of life in the late 1800s. When temperatures dip below freezing, outdoor adventures continue as visitors explore cross-country ski trails, nine miles of snowmobile trails, and a good old-fashioned do-it-yourself-have fun sled hill.
Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve
Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve is a large, diverse wetland community composed of every different stage of high-quality wetland, including graminoid fens, calcareous floating mats, graminoid bogs, marshes, low gradient creek, pond, lake, sedge meadow, wet prairie and dry Mesic savanna. With 341 total acres, this preserve has significant natural and archaeological features, as well as an interpretive hiking trail and an observation deck.
Chain O’ Lakes State Park Trail
Located in the heart of Illinois’ largest concentration of natural lakes, Chain O’Lakes State Park is a water-oriented recreation area with outstanding opportunities for boaters, anglers and skiers. The park borders three natural lakes – Grass, Marie and Nippersink – and the Fox River that connects the other seven lakes (Bluff, Fox, Pistakee, Channel, Petite, Catherine and Redhead) that make up the Chain. In addition, the park contains a 44-acre lake within its boundaries. With nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline, Chain O’Lakes State Park is the heart of a water wonderland.
The park features seven picnic areas and four trail systems. The Nature’s Way hiking trail starts at Oak Grove Picnic Area and is 2 1/4 miles in length. The Pike Marsh North Picnic Area has an accessible trail that a quarter-mile long. The park also contains 8 miles of equestrian trail and a 6 miles biking/hiking trail.
The Trails of Pheasant Ridge is a charming community close to Lake Geneva in Richmond, Illinois. Residents at The Trails of Pheasant Ridge can choose from six ranch homes and five two-story homes.
In addition to several trail systems, homes in this community offer residents a country setting while still having easy access to Chicago thanks to its great location. It is also near Lake Geneva and a variety of shops, services, churches and restaurants in the small town of Richmond. Children are served by Richmond Elementary, Richmond Middle and Richmond-Burton High School.
For a detailed map of Richmond trails, visit www.traillink.com/city/richmond-il-trails. To learn more about our homes in Pheasant Ridge, visit www.GerstadBuilders.com or call 815-385-4495.
