8 Illinois Snowmobile Trails
While winter for some means heading in and cuddling up by the fire, many here in Illinois consider snowy weather an opportunity to have some fun in the great outdoors. Our state is covered in seasonal trails for everyone, beginner to expert. These are just a few of the best Illinois snowmobile trails to hit this winter.
Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail
This trail spans 61 miles of state groomed and managed land. It follows the canal towpath with access points, parking lots and picnic areas at Buffalo Rock, Gebhard Woods and Channahon state parks. One of the most popular Illinois snowmobile trails, it’s notable for the historic stone aqueducts and wide views of the Illinois River along the canal. After a 4” accumulated packed base forms on the trail it’s open 24 hours a day, so you can visit the trail whenever it works for you!
Argyle Lake State Park
Another one of the best-rated Illinois snowmobile trails, this trail spans about eight miles between designated trail areas and unplowed roads. At the State Park, you’ll find a place to park your tow vehicle and trailer, public bathrooms and picnic shelters. The trails twist and turn through rolling terrain where you can enjoy scenic oak, hickory and pine forests. The trails are open for snowmobiles from sunrise to 10 pm.
Hennepin Canal Parkway
The Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park runs through Colona, Illinois, and is home to the Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail. This Illinois snowmobile trail is known for 75 miles of scenic paths with plenty of signage along the way. In fact, the Hennepin Canal boasts the longest snowmobile trail in the state! It is worth mentioning that the trail is not groomed, and snowmobiling is only permitted in designated areas. Likewise, the trail requires 4 inches of snow on the ground and 6 inches of frost in the ground to open. When the trail is closed, the entire park is closed to snowmobile use.
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park
Though a relatively short trip, at just four miles of designated trails and unplowed roads, this park is definitely worth a visit. This looped trail system winds through gently rolling hills surrounded with oak, hickory and pine trees. Snowmobilers can park at the Round Bard parking lot to easily access the trailhead. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset after the end of hunting season.
Kankakee River State Park
Snowmobilers looking for a long, scenic trail that can easily take a full day can find just that at Kankakee River State Park. The park covers 15 miles along the Kankakee River, and the trails that wind throughout make a perfect opportunity to enjoy both forested and waterfront scenery throughout the winter. Parking is available at the park and snowmobiling is permitted daily from sunrise to sunset.
Des Plaines River Trail
The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway meanders along its namesake river through most of Lake County and part of Cook County in northeast Illinois. The trail parallels the Des Plaines River through 12 forest preserves and hosts 209 miles of trails. Of those trails, there are 8 miles of snowmobile trails to visit during the winter. Located between Russell Road and Wadsworth Road, the snowmobile trails are flat with no major obstacles or avalanche hazards. Additionally, bridges and underpasses from Wadsworth Road south enable travel without crossing any major roads.
Rock Cut State Park
Located in Winnebago county, northeast of Rockford, IL, Rock Cut State Park features scenic woodlands and tree-lined trails. While many winter sport enthusiasts take advantage of the park’s winding cross-country ski trail, the park also offers 14 miles of snowmobile trails through the rolling terrain. The snowmobile trails in the Rock Cut State Park are open from 8 am to 5 pm when there is a 4-inch or more compacted snow base. And if you’re up for more outdoor winter activities, you can try ice fishing, sledding and ice-skating at the park.
Jane Addams Trail
The Jane Addams Trail is nestled in northwest Illinois. This trail is part of the 500-mile Grand Illinois Trail and known as a picturesque route. Another of the most scenic Illinois snowmobile trails, this trail runs nearly 19 miles and hosts a network of groomed and well-marked paths. The route crosses 22 bridges and passes through wooded areas that are home to birds, deer and other wildlife.
The trail follows a rail line that the Illinois Central built in 1887, which runs between Freeport, Illinois, and Madison, Wisconsin. The 13 miles of trail between the Wes Block Trailhead and the Wisconsin state line features a crushed limestone surface that can be used by snowmobilers. Like other trails, there needs to be at least 4 inches of snow on the trail for snowmobile use.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has all the Illinois snowmobile trails and related resources you’ll need conveniently on their website. Visit the department’s snowmobile recreation page for information on registration, relevant regulations, snowmobile safety education and more!
Snowmobile Trailers in Illinois
If you have a snowmobile but need a new trailer to transport you to your next trail, check out our trailers for sale in Arthur, Illinois. Or, if your current trailer just needs some TLC, stop by for trailer parts and service in Illinois! If you have any questions or you’re ready to buy, give us a call or contact us online!
