Pond Views and Hiking at Brookdale Conservation Area in Woodstock, Illinois

 

McHenry County hiking trails invite explorers to a wide range of landscapes. Other past few years, we have set out to experience as many of the preserves in the Chicago region that we can and have discovered some incredible trails within the McHenry County Conservation District. On a warm October afternoon, we visited Brookdale Conservation Area in Woodstock for the first time and quickly became enamored with the preserve.

A mowed grass trail heads through the pines at
Brookdale Conservation Area in Woodstock, IL.

Immediately upon pulling into the parking lot, I noted Brookdale Conservation Area's 11-acre pond. The pond emerged from a symphony of early fall flowers including goldenrod and aster. Truly, beautiful! I looked forward to wandering further along the pond.

Brookdale's pond emerged above a sea of goldenrod from behind pines.

Brookdale Conservation Area features over 7 miles of trails. We first followed a trail tracing the pond to an observation deck. We walked out on the observation deck to absorb the view. We savored a calm, beautiful afternoon in nature.

Pond overlook at Brookdale.

We continued on the mowed trail heading through the prairie to the woodlands. We hiked on an unusually hot October day, so the shade of the woodlands was quickly appreciated!

Red pines immediately welcomed us. The forest was mainly full of green save the beginning of yellows and reds.

Trails were a bit hilly at points but presented a fairly easy hike in nature. We found the trails pretty quiet with few hikers so we really felt enveloped in nature. A number of interwoven trails offered a bit of a choice of direction.

Once we left the woodlands and started our approach to the parking lot, I knew that I had to enjoy the field of flowers once again. Goldenrods and asters splashed color into the landscape as pollinators took advantage of fall's last blooms. Such a magical way to cap off a nature experience.

While visiting the preserve, you will note the McHenry County Conservation District's administrative offices. Other activities that can be enjoyed in the preserve include horseback riding, cross country skiing, fishing, and picnicking.