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< Back Deer Run 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 675.6-acre Deer Run offers over 7 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, which connect with Oak Ridge Forest Preserve to the south. It offers a mosaic of high-quality prairie, river and floodplain forest natural areas. This preserve is aptly named; deer are often seen here, and its diversity of habitat makes it a prime wildlife viewing spot. Deer Run contains a segment of the Kishwaukee River, hundreds of acres of restored prairie, floodplain wetlands and ponds, as well as woods. The “Blue Hole” on the northern edge is a floodplain oxbow pond frequented by frogs, turtles, dragonflies, beavers and herons. The preserve is bordered by the Kishwaukee River on the west and the south branch of the Kishwaukee meanders through the southeast portion. One of the highest quality streams in the state of Illinois, the Kishwaukee provides habitat and food for many aquatic and terrestrial species. The “Kish” also provides great recreational opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Seasonal Highlights: In spring, Deer Run is a prime spot to see floodplain woodland wildflowers including a spectacular sea of Virginia Bluebells. Mid-summer brings a tapestry of diverse blooms and grasses to the vast expanses of waving prairie. Wildlife viewing opportunities also peak in summer as insects, birds, butterflies, turtles, deer and beavers populate the preserve. Don’t miss the prairie’s burnished fall colors, herbal aromas and rich textures. Deer Run’s extensive system of wide flat trails offers and easy and refreshing hike or equestrian ride at any time of year. Acres: 675.6 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: No Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: Yes Equestrian Trailer Parking: Yes Equestrian self-registration: Yes Hiking Trails(miles): 7.5 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: Yes 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Conservation Area Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE Previous Next

Non-motorized watercraft, canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or sail board, in Illinois are no longer required to be titled/registered in Illinois, unless the vessels have a motor or sail. Paddling Sugar River Fast with riffles and deep pools, the Sugar River flows through “wild” country of wooded banks and secluded backwater areas. Good fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and channel catfish. Nelson Road canoe launch in Wisconsin to Two Rivers Forest Preserve in Shirland which is 15 miles and takes approximately seven hours in Wisconsin at Sugar River and County T, you have to portage down the grass bank. The Sugar River Park of Rock County is posted closed 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. The canoe launch from Colored Sands Forest Preserve to Two Rivers Forest Preserve is 7 miles and takes approximately three hours. Pecatonica River This river flows from the Pecatonica River Forest Preserve at the Pecatonica Village past Pecatonica River Forest Preserve, Trask Bridge Forest Preserve, and Two Rivers Forest Preserve up to Macktown Forest Preserve where it joins Rock River. Boat ramps in Sumner Park and Winnebago County Fairgrounds on both sides of dam in Pecatonica Village. The launch on Farwell Bridge Road over Pecatonica River in Stephenson County has a gravel road to the bank. Going from the Pecatonica River Forest Preserve to Two Rivers Forest Preserve is 16 miles and takes approximately five hours. Going from Trask Bridge Forest Preserve to Two Rivers Forest Preserve is 10 miles and takes approximately four hours. Pecatonica River Forest Preserve has a boat ramp Kishwaukee River This rocky bottomed stream flows through a beautiful, wooded valley and, with the exception of Belvidere, New Milford, and Cherry Valley, has little urban development near its shores. Except during heavy rainfall, the stream is relatively clear, and in the spring you can see smallmouth and rock bass hovering over their beds. Many rocky riffles and gravel bars characterize the 30-mile course from Belvidere, and during the last three miles to the mouth, the stream becomes abraded with many channels–some navigable and some not–but all are interesting and wild. Fishing on the stream is excellent. Going from Baumann Park in Cherry Valley to Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve is 4 miles and takes approximately two hours. An easy two + hour trip is from the canoe access at Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve to the ramp at Atwood Park (Atwood Outdoor Education Center). There are other canoe launches at Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve, Oak Ridge Forest Preserve (south branch). There are four canoe access launch sites in Belvidere and Atwood Park in New Milford. The Kishwaukee River south branch from Oak Ridge to Blackhawk Springs is definitely for only canoes–narrow, winding, trees down, and so shallow at times it is only inches deep where you have to get out on foot. After crossing under Perryville Bridge into Blackhawk Springs (posted on walk bridge), the south & north branches join and the river becomes deeper and wider. After entering Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve under Blackhawk Road, it becomes shallow again with islands and there is a “Rock” dam going across the river at the Sportsmen’s Park. Rock River Nearly all of the river’s 165 miles provide quality canoeing if a few simple rules are followed. The river has low head dams at Rockton, Rockford, Oregon, Dixon, Sterling (two dams), and Milan. Either plan your trip between a single pair or plan to portage around them. Never paddle near the dams during periods of low visibility. The Rock River sports the largest population of northern pike in Illinois. Diversity is its key, with strong currents, calm pools, turbulence below the dams, shallow sloughs and islands. Atwood Homestead Forest Preserve, Hononegah Forest Preserve, Macktown Forest Preserve and Rockton Village all have boat ramps. Hononegah Forest Preserve has a 57 site campground. Safety & Registration Non-motorized watercraft, canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or sail board, in Illinois are no longer required to be titled/registered in Illinois, unless the vessels have a motor or sail. Canoeists on Illinois rivers receive permission from landowners whenever utilizing private property. Many of the streams in Illinois are bounded by private land. Any stream that is not legally public and navigable is private and can only be used with permission from the landowners. Obtain permission from landowners before launching, take out, camping, picnicking, portaging, or parking vehicles on private land. Remember that your conduct will greatly influence the landowners attitude toward other canoeists.

Having Trouble? With so many adventures to choose from, it's easy to get lost! That's why we've created these video tutorials to make sure you're on the right path. Just select what activity pertains to you and which device you are using to get started. Camping Laptop/Computer Mobile device Shelterhouses Laptop/Computer Mobile device Passes Laptop/Computer Mobile device Tee Times Laptop/Computer Mobile device

The Forest Preserve of Winnebago County is celebrating 100 years of protecting, conserving, enhancing and promoting Winnebago County’s natural heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. 2022 marks our 100TH ANNIVERSARY! The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County has proudly been dedicated to conserving, protecting, and enhancing Winnebago County's natural heritage for 100 years! We asked you to share your favorite forest preserve memory and here's what you had to say... Julie's Favorite Memory "I spent a year as an AmeriCorps member at Severson Dells Nature Center and we often hiked the trails. I loved watching the seasons change and noticing more details in nature than I ever had before. Walking even just the paved loop trail there is total uniqueness in each season. I treasure those walks and hope everyone gets the chance to experience a Forest Preserve in all four seasons." - Julie Uram Matt's Favorite Memory "My wife and I got married in Seward Bluffs. It was a perfect summer day. It rained the weekend before and after but there was clear skies on our wedding day. " - Matthew Slade

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County invites you to participate in the planning for the future of your forest preserves by completing this Community Survey. Even if you are not familiar with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, your perspective is valuable, and we welcome your input. Community Survey Participate in planning the future of your forest preserves Survey open February 1 - April 30, 2026 The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County is gathering input from the community to shape its Strategic Plan. We invite you to participate in planning for the future of your forest preserves by completing this Community Survey. Even if you are not familiar with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, your perspective is valuable and we welcome your input. TAKE THE SURVEY Why are the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County implementing a Community Survey? In the coming year, the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County will begin the process of developing a Strategic Plan. A Strategic Plan is a blueprint for future growth and development and will guide our leadership and Board of Commissioners as we move forward. The Community Survey is the first step in the development of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County’s Strategic Plan. The Community Survey will act as a way for you to share your input and communicate your vision for the future of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County. It will identify the wants, needs, and values of our community, and help the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County establish key goals and objectives for the agency. This process is essential to the development of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County’s Strategic Plan. How do I get involved in the planning process? Take the Community Survey The best way to get involved in the planning process is to complete the Community Survey. The Community Survey is an online survey available in both English and Spanish. Click here to take the Community Survey . A desktop computer and paper copies of the survey are also available at the Headquarters Administration Building (5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL 61103) during regular business hours. Attend monthly board meetings Public participation is an essential portion of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County board meetings. Board meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month, and agendas are posted the Friday prior to the meeting. Click here for more information and a complete list of 2026 Board Meetings . If you have feedback or input about the Community Survey, the Strategic Plan, or the planning process, please complete the form below. Contact us First name Last name Email Write a message Submit

Forest Preserves Atwood Homestead 8990 Old River Road, Rockford, IL 61103 Read More Blackhawk Springs 5360 Mulford Road & 5801 Perryville Rd, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Read More Cedar Cliff 7901 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, IL 61084 Read More Clayton Andrews 8399 Kiowa Crossing, Roscoe, IL 61073 Read More Colored Sands 10602 Haas Road, Rockton, IL 61024 Read More County Line 7530 Ipsen Road Belvidere, IL 61008 Read More Crooked River 16394 Anderson Road Pecatonica, IL 61063 Read More Deer Run 5691 River Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Read More District Map - Forest Preserves of Winnebago County View all 44 preserves on our District Map! Read More Espenscheid Memorial 4800 South Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Read More Ferguson 8602 West Winslow Road, Shirland, IL 61079 Read More Four Lakes 10207 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063 Read More Fuller Memorial 6700 Fitzgerald Road, Rockford, IL 61102 Read More Grove Creek 18319 W. State St., Pecatonica, IL 61063 Read More Hartley Memorial 14990 Campbell Road, Durand, IL 61024 Read More Headquarters 5500 Northrock Drive, Rockford, IL 61103 Read More Hinchliff Memorial 6770 Kishwaukee Road, Rockford, IL 61109 Read More Hononegah #80 Hononegah Road, Rockton, IL 61072 Read More Indian Hill 7061 Kishwaukee Road, Rockford, IL 61109 Read More J. Norman Jensen 14400 S. Bluff, Rockton, IL 61072 Read More Kieselburg 5801 Swanson Road, Roscoe, IL 61073 Read More Kilbuck Bluffs 3061 & 3020 South Bend Road, Rockford, IL 61109 Read More Kishwaukee Gorge North 4643 Blackhawk Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Read More Kishwaukee Gorge South 6915 Faust Lane, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Read More Kishwaukee River 6303 Mulford Road & 5757 Blackhawk Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Read More Klehm Forest Preserve 2715 S. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61102 Read More Laona Heights 15402 Anderson Road, Durand, IL 61024 Read More Ledges 7111 McCurry Road, Roscoe, IL 61073 Read More Macktown 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, IL 61072 Read More McKiski 3808 Genoa Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Read More Millrace Isle 2600 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, IL 61072 Read More Oak Ridge 8322 Blomberg Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 Read More Pecatonica River 7260 Judd Road & 14960 Brick School Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063 Read More Pecatonica Wetlands 5750 Best Road, Pecatonica, IL 61063 Read More R. Robert Funderburg 4551 S. Meridian Road, Rockford IL, 61102 Read More Rockford Rotary 5390 Rotary Road, Cherry Valley, IL 61063 Read More Roland Olson 9669 Atwood Road, Roscoe, IL 61073 Read More Severson DellsⓇ 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, IL 61102 Read More Seward Bluffs 16999 Comly Road, Seward, IL 61077 Read More Stone Bridge 6119 Burr Oak Rd., Roscoe, IL 61073 Read More Sugar River 10127 Forest Preserve Road, Durand, IL 61024 Read More Sugar River Alder 10255 Haas Road, Shirland, IL 61079 Read More Trailside 2161 Baxter Road, Rockford, IL 61109 Read More Trask Bridge 11532 Trask Bridge Road, Rockford, IL 61101 Read More Two Rivers 12251 Harrison Road, Durand, IL 61024 Read More

< Back Fuller Memorial 6700 Fitzgerald Road, Rockford, IL 61102 Fuller Memorial is comprised of 135-acres. A portion of its oakwoods is designated as a bird sanctuary. Acres: 135 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: Yes Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 2.0 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: No Special Facilities: Bird sanctuary (closed to the public) Donated Land: Yes Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

< Back Sugar River Alder 10255 Haas Road, Shirland, IL 61079 Sugar River Alder is a 537.8-acre tract of sandy soil which harbors unique habitats not found elsewhere in this region. Floodplain forest, oak savanna, restored and remnant prairie savanna, as well as upland forest support a diversity of plant animal species that can be found only in this spot. Sand deposited by the wind after the last glaciation formed dunes and ridges along the Sugar River. The dunes and ridges were eventually stabilized by forest and prairie vegetation. The Sugar River is a migration route for birds; over 150 species have been banded at the bird-banding station in the adjacent Colored Sands Forest Preserve. Sugar River Alder’s unique geology, dolomite prairie with sandy soil, make it an ideal place to observe unusual reptiles and amphibians. Sugar River Alder offers great hiking trails in one of the most quiet forest preserves and great views of wide open sky and sweeping unspoiled vistas. Acres: 537.8 Access Road: Yes Restrooms: Yes Drinking Water: Yes Picnic Tables: Yes Shelterhouses: No Playground Equipment: No Ball Fields: No Horseback Trails: No Hiking Trails(miles): 4.9 Campground Sites: No Boat Launch: No Canoe Launch: No 18 Hole Golf Course: No Illinois Nature Preserve: Yes Special Facilities: No Donated Land: No Natural Areas: Yes All reservations subject to the GENERAL USE ORDINANCE. Previous Next

Winter Preserve Road Status Winter vehicle access to preserves will be limited to select preserve locations once the roadways become snow or ice covered due to staff and equipment limitations and terrain. Signs are posted welcoming walk in use at all preserve locations. Some hard paths are kept cleared, but not all parking lots will be available and not all gates or roadways will be open. Below is a planned list of areas accessible by vehicles and hard paths for pedestrian use for the winter of 2021-22. Weather conditions may temporarily close some of these areas also. Atwood - front gate parking with select roadways open for walking Blackhawk Springs – Mulford Rd entrance ONLY with select parking lots open; portions of rec path Colored Sands – Yale Bridge parking lot open; front gate parking only at banding station Deer Run – front parking lot open Espenscheid – front parking lot open Ferguson- trailhead parking lot open Four Lakes – Main parking lot at South entrance open Fuller – front parking lot open Funderburg- trailhead parking lot open Headquarters – all parking lots and hard path open Hononegah – front parking lot open; walking areas on select roadways inside preserve Indian Hill – main parking lot open Jensen – front gate parking open Kieselburg – front parking lot open Kishwaukee Gorge – front parking lot open Kishwaukee River – front parking lot on west side of river open; portions of rec path Klehm - accessible Laona Heights – front gate parking open Macktown – Main roadway to shelter and visitor’s center Oak Ridge – main parking lot open Pecatonica Wetlands – front parking lot open on Pecatonica Road Roland Olson – front parking lot open; walking areas on select roadways inside preserve Severson Dells – front parking lot to preserve, all lots to nature center open; hard path open Seward Bluffs – front parking lot open Sugar River Alder – main parking lot open Sugar River – front gate parking open Trask Bridge – boat launch parking lot open Two Rivers – main parking lot open