Hike McHenry, Hickory Grove Highlands & Lyons prairie 8.5, 7.5, 3 mile options

Optional post hike lunch
614 Rawson Bridge rd Port Barrington
https://www.brokenoar.com/
Features a massive outdoor beer garden on the Fox River. No reservations accepted.
Lets meet in the beer garden.

Whoever gets there first please save a picnic table in the beer garden and mention in comments where you are.

We must rely on text message/calling each other to find the group. My cell is 847 757-1230
I've been here before and it gets really crowded with bikers, boaters and everyone else.
We have had trouble finding each other back in 2022.
You may want to bring a lawn chair just in case.

Live free music by Tennesse Whisky at 2:00.

Google map pin for hike:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NW21kDNYyvEidoEL8?g_st=ic

Summary
We haven't been here since January of 2025. Please know that areas of this hike will be in full sun for at least 2+ miles. Its very important to prepare for this in higher temperatures. You may want to wear a sun hat and bring sun screen. As always, bring water to hydrate. This hike features some forest but a good portion is open meadows which will have beautiful flowers blooming.

The trails on this hike are what we last did in January 2025. It may be revised to include new areas that were previously overgrown and impassable in 2022. As the date gets closer I'll check if the overgrown area is accessible. This could potentially include more shaded areas. Also, the hike distances and descriptions may change if new areas are covered.
This will not affect hike 1.

This hike is cross posted with Chicagoland Trailblazers Hiking
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/315325339
Group and my guest rsvp includes members of the group.

Hike 1: 3 miles
Finish this portion before 11am.
We'll start out in the Hickory Grove Highlands section. Trails in this section are a combination of mowed grass and packed dirt. Its 75% open meadow and woodland. Only 25% forest and very pretty.
We will end up back at the parking lot.

Hike 2: ~ 8.5 miles, 7.5 miles shorter option if weather is extreme
Estimating 3 to 4 hours depending on how far the group hikes. There is an easy split off that allows us to cut it short or do the longer 8.5 mile loop. We will announce where to head back for 7.5 miles. Its easy to find your way back.

The trail will continue into Lyons Prairie and Marsh.
It features thickly forested tall hickory trees, well-maintained rustic packed-dirt trails and is lovely! Its an easy hike but not entirely flat. The terrain has gentle rolling hills and like most rustic forest walks you have to watch for roots and rocks. Trails are packed dirt in the forest and mowed grass in prairie. Some areas are meadow and a big bald eagle nest was visible in 2025.

Location
There are multiple parking lots.
Meet at Hickory Grove Highlands which has a big parking lot (75+ cars).
500 Hickory Nut Grove LN Cary