Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve — Attraction in Cherry Valley Township

I love all of the forests of Winnebago County. You will always get a 5 star rating from me on these. This preserve is split in 2 parts by the Kishwaukee River which offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing capabilities. The East side has a large shelter for gatherings, many picnic areas including several with a view of the river, and some hiking paths. Also a nice, albeit short, scenic drive. The West side offers many fishing spots, a canoe launch, picnicking, a stone shelter for gatherings and a nice forest for hiking. Also very scenic and great for bird watching. There is also a paved walking/biking path that winds from the East side to the West and then heads North towards and connecting to the Blackhawk Springs walking path. This trail takes you through a diverse and beautiful example of all the wilderness and nature Winnebago County has to offer. This preserve also showcases the beautiful limestone bluffs our region...

We camped overnight in the tent only area. The campgrounds are nice and well kept with some sort of picnic table and firepit/grill on each site. If you camp down in the 10-35 # sites, many are on a slope of varying degrees. We struggled not to slide to the low side in our tent during the night. That and the animals all droning at night. Bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper.

They had outhouses around the camp but also had clean latrines with showers also.

The camp seems fairly responsive to concerns, and the hiking trails are nice. I would definitely go there again. Especially when they get the closed road open again to the far side...

This is such a a beautiful area. We were here for an adventure race, so no pictures. There are hiking paths, bike paths, & the river is a solid choice for paddling, tubing & wading.

Be aware on the trails. Some are multi- use, hiking only & some do allow horses.

Much of the hiking, horse & multi use are quite rural/primitive. This should be taken into consideration when planning water, snacks & potty breaks.

The river is clear & clean for a wild river (no....do not drink from it!). Trees do occasionally fall into the river, but can be avoided or portaged around.

Go...