Veteran Acres Park – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop from Crystal Lake

Hiking trails & Routes

Veteran Acres Park – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop from Crystal Lake

Moderate

3.5

(22)

hikers

Veteran Acres Park – Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve loop from Crystal Lake

02:07

8.07km

60m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

22 m

Veteran Acres Park

Highlight • Forest

Veteran Acres Park is a gem with its wooded areas and the lovely Wingate Prairie spanning about 30 acres. This vibrant space is home to beautiful flowers like asters, blazing …

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572 m

Pine Woods Trail, Veteran Acres Park

Highlight • Forest

Veteran Acres Park shines with upland woods, featuring the captivating Wingate Prairie spanning approximately 30 acres. This vibrant ecosystem hosts a variety of captivating flowers, including asters, blazing stars, and …

Tip by

985 m

Veterans Acres Pond

Highlight • Lake

The pond in Veterans Acres park has a fishing dock and is encircled by a paved path.

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4.92 km

Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

Runners can wander woodsy trails or connect to the McHenry County Prairie Trail during outings in Sterne’s Fen Nature Preserve. Since gaining Illinois Nature Preserve status in 1994, the site’s …

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8.07 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.70 km

2.30 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

5.19 km

1.42 km