Willow Creek Trail
5.3 mi · ▲ 169 ft · 1 hr 51 min
Willow Creek Trail is a 5.3-mile out-and-back in Rock Cut State Park near Machesney Park, IL. It is mostly level, with 169 ft of elevation gain, and mostly paved. It scores 0/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Willow Creek Trail
5.3 mi · ▲ 169 ft · 1 hr 51 min
Elevation 739–845 ft
Out & Back · Rock Cut State Park
Trailhead: Willow Creek Trail · 42.35500, -89.02761
Weather Sep 21: sunrise 6:43 AM · sunset 6:57 PM
Bikes allowed on the whole route · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Willow Creek Trail, heading E.
- 1.4 miContinue straight onto Perryville Path, heading N.
- 1.3 miReach the turnaround, then head back the way you came.
- 1.3 miContinue straight onto Willow Creek Trail, heading S.
- 1.3 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 2.3 mi in (~60 min). Leave by 5:37 PM for the 6:57 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:10 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Bikes allowed on the whole route
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Willow Creek Trail Trailhead
- Perryville Path 14 mi · ▲ 296 ft
- Pierce Lake & Willow Creek Trail 8.1 mi · ▲ 249 ft
- Willow Creek Trail 7.6 mi · ▲ 195 ft
- Willow Creek Trail 3.9 mi · ▲ 115 ft
- Willow Creek Trail 2.7 mi · ▲ 27 ft
Get outside more
A wild hike near Machesney Park, emailed to you once a week.
Hikes near Machesney Park, Illinois