The Hollows Conservation Area, Cary, IL

The Hollows Conservation Area in Cary, Illinois, spans 462 acres of rolling terrain surrounding a 70-acre lake that supports seasonal fishing. A network of trails—some paved, others packed gravel—winds through oak-hickory woods, prairie patches, and shoreline edges, offering measured distances for walking, running, or cycling. Boat-launch ramps and shoreline fishing stations are maintained by the McHenry County Conservation District, and a picnic shelter with restrooms sits near the main parking lot. The park’s location places residents within a ten-minute drive of the Cary Metra station, downtown shops, and schools, while the surrounding residential streets provide direct pedestrian and bicycle access through neighborhood connectors. Seasonal waterfowl migrations and spring wildflower displays add consistent visual interest along the water’s edge.

Cross-Country Skiing Hiking Paths Picnic Area