DAY HIKES
Marengo Ridge Conservation Area-Free Hike
Marengo, IL
April 8 or April 10, 2025
April 8 or 10
2-hours
$0.00
If this is your first hike of the season, please register first for the season and fill out this mandatory Annual Registration Waiver.
Difficulty rating
Miles
Either 2.8 or 3.7 miles, depending upon our timing.
Terrain
The path varies from wide dirt trails to narrow dirt trails . Some hills, but mostly flat. If there are recent rains, this will be a muddy hike.
Marengo Ridge is one of McHenry’s popular and treasured areas, encompassing 818 acres of oak and hickory woodlands interspersed with spruce, aspen, ash and sumac groves. We will explore through the majestic oak woodlands and cross several small bridges that cover ephemeral streams that flow into the Kishwaukee River. We walk under the big trees for 90% of the trail, so it is a treat for our senses. We will be keeping our eye out for the early spring ephemerals. . Spring rains often bring muddy trails. Please be prepared with waterproof boots and clean shoes for the drive home.
Washroom
Ouhouse at the parking lot.
What to Bring
Water
Sunglasses/sunscreen
Camera/phone
Rainwear as needed
Sturdy hiking shoes/boots for mud
Dress in layers for comfort
A hiking stick is helpful. I have loaners if desired
Emergency Medical Information form filled out (this is kept in your backpack, and only accessed in emergencies)
Sack lunch for an after-hike picnic
Lunch Optional
We hope you can stay for lunch at the park.
Bring a sack lunch. 12:00-12:30.
Times
We meet by 9:45 am and begin our hike at 10:00 am to noon. As a courtesy to all women, please arrive early, as we will begin promptly and not wait for latecomers.
Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If we do cancel a hike, I will email you before 8am the morning of the hike.
You Will Learn
About the red fox
Driving Directions
Address: Marengo Ridge Conservation Area.
2411 N. Route 23, Marengo, IL 60152
Click on Google Maps below.
Discussion Starter Question
Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. - John Muir
Guides
Tue-Thur: Kari - aka “Lucky duck”
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within seven days:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of three people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous, ie. lightning or a major storm. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike.