Hike the Hollows in McHenry 6 miles, or shorter options of 4.7 or 4 miles

Optional post hike lunch
TBD

Summary
This was one of the very first hikes I hosted! It was on 09/15/19 and Kathleen knew the area and helped out to co-host. There were only 3 of us on this hike when I first took leadership of the group in 2019: https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/262740706/

Its a favorite hike for many people in the area! I would rate the trails as mostly easy with a few small sections moderate. Some areas have roots to watch out for, not entirely level.

On this hike we will walk around Lake Atwood in addition to hiking the conservation area. For a 6 mile hike allow 3 hours in case of deeper snow on trails.

The 4 mile hike option will require you to walk .4 miles back to the parking lot on your own. Its a pretty easy hike back and by following our directions which way to turn you won't get lost.

The 4.7 mile option is very close to the trailhead but not quite there. You'll walk back a few hundred yards on your own and impossible to get lost.

There are vault toilets where we meet and also 3 miles into the hike near Lake Atwood.

This hike is cross posted with Chicagoland Trailblazers Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/312044562
and my guest rsvp includes members of the group.

Content below is copied from the website link
https://www.mccdistrict.org/visit___explore/places_to_go/find_a_site/the_hollows.php

The Hollows Conservation Area encompasses 478 acres and hosts an assortment of natural communities including sand prairie, wet silt loam prairie, and basin marsh habitats. Within its boundaries, 335 native wetland and woodland wildflowers, grasses, and plants can be spotted along the trails and around the campgrounds; these include little bluestem, rough blazing star, prairie dock, compass plant, golden Alexander, bird’s foot violet, spiderwort, trillium, horsetail and bottle gentian, as well as six state endangered and threatened plant species. This diverse mix of plant and animal life can be attributed to ongoing restoration efforts - combining a series of small, gravel- pit lakes to create larger lakes that provide better fish habitat; converting former dirt bike trails to passive hiking trails to allow for greater public access; and re seeding many acres with native plants to increase habitat diversity. Little by little pockets of native plants are thriving and are a testament to their own success story.

Address
3804 US-14 · Crystal Lake, IL