Hiking and camping at Marengo Ridge
Marengo Ridge is one of the delightful surprises the glaciers left in the famously monotonous rural Illinois landscape. Approximately five miles of hiking trails in a series of small loops wander through oak woodlands, savanna a pine plantation and cross numerous streams.
On a hot, sunny late spring day, the highlight of the hike for me was the 1.3 mile Kelly Hertel Nature Trail, which winds through a thick, verdant woodland and crosses several small bridges that cover ephemeral streams. The narrow trail puts you in intimate touch with the lush understory of spring plants, and offers close glimpses of truly astonishing examples of native flora. This section of the trail is definitely more rugged and steeper, as it twists through the shadowy woods.
The trail connecting back to the parking area follows a wide, grassy path bordered by tall trees, and provides opportunities to peek at the cozy, secluded campsites in the adjacent Thompson Woods. Our visit took place during widespread closures at the start of the pandemic, and the campground was closed, however it is now reopened and available for weekend camping reservations. Both car and hike-in campsites are available, and there really isn’t a bad one in the bunch. They’re situated in small bays cut into the woodland, and have a private, self-contained feel. Campsites have tent platforms, fire rings and picnic tables.
The southern section of the trail weaves through an open, sun-baked prairie, a little too hot for the time of the year to be truly enjoyable, but we did spend a little time taking stock of the incredible variety of native plants coming into their summer bloom. This would be a spectacular trail to enjoy in early fall.
more info
McHenry County Conservation District’s Marengo Ridge Website
Thompson Woods camping information