Hike a Kame at Glacial Park 6 miles with 3 mile option, optional lunch

There are two mileage options: 3 miles or about 6 miles. After 3 miles we end up near the parking lot.

Optional post hike lunch
TBD

Please watch your speed as you drive into the preserve! We found that McHenry County Conservation District Police Department is vigilant about making sure that people stay within speed limit.

Overview
I first led a hike here on 05/23/2020 and have been coming back almost every year except 2024! There is not a lot of shade so please prepare for that by bring lots of liquid, sunscreen and a maybe a hat that can shield you from sun.

Located in Ringwood Illinois not far from the Wisconsin border.
This is a moderate hike with areas that have some pretty steep inclines.
Hiking poles may be useful if your not used to hiking moderate terrain.

Expect a combination of grass, packed dirt and rocky surfaces. Be prepared for a workout even if you do the 3 mile option. There are more than a few hilly areas. Some are not "gentle" rolling hills. We will go slow but if your ahead be sure to watch out for small footpaths and wait for us when you see split off.

For those who want a longer hike, we'll do additional trails including one that follows along the Nippersink river.

Location:
We are meeting in Lost Valley Visitor Center parking lot, The map pin should take you there.

When you turn onto Hart road, go .9 miles.
At .9 miles please pass by the road that goes into Power Walker House. The road to Lost Valley Visitor Center is the very next road. Make a right.
Then follow that road another .4 miles to the parking lot. Its a huge parking lot and we'll meet at very beginning of it as soon as you pull in.

Lost Valley Visitors center
6720 Keystone road
Richmond IL

Please allow extra time to find it. Call or Text me at 847 757-1230 if you are running late and I'll try to guide you which way we're going

Details
Its a mix of forest and open meadow and ecologically precious! McHenry County states that "its most treasured open space holding, characterized by its rolling prairie, delta kames, oak savanna and the tranquil presence of the meandering Nippersink Creek."
"Encompassing 3,439 acres, Glacial Park contains over 490 acres of dedicated nature preserve; harbors 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species; is listed as one of the top five areas to view migratory wetland birds in the region."

This hike is cross posted with the Trailblazers group
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/305027503
and my guest rsvp will include members of that group.

Website
https://www.mccdistrict.org/visit___explore/places_to_go/find_a_site/glacial_park.php

https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/INPC/Pages/Area2McHenryGlacialPark.aspx

Trail Map
https://files.mccdistrict.org//All%20Sites/Glacial%20Park%20Trail%20Map.pdf