Home › Illinois › McHenry › Fort McHenry Park
Fort McHenry Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 88 Google reviews · Running trail in McHenry, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Fort McHenry Park yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Spacious park featuring a splash pad for cooling off in summer, along with picnic tables and playground equipment.
What runners say about Fort McHenry Park
“Playground equipment is in very good condition and suitable for all ages.”
It has been quite a while since I have gone to this location, and while the wood may have changed, the feel of the park remains the same. When I came, it felt a little like I had returned to my childhood playing with my siblings.
Shade in areas, ample seating, enclosed, splash pad, VARIETY of playground activities/obstacles, and parking and a restroom!!! Only drawbacks are one of the ramps was ripped and the enclosed spiral slide was a bit fast for my kid.
Trail conditions & character
“Shade in areas, ample seating, enclosed, splash pad, VARIETY of playground activities/obstacles, and parking and a restroom!”
“Shade in areas, ample seating, enclosed, splash pad, VARIETY of playground activities/obstacles, and parking and a restroom!”
Plan your run at Fort McHenry Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
Running trails near McHenry
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Petersen Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 508 reviews
Lakeside park with baseball & softball fields, tennis courts, play areas & picnic facilities.
Knox Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 174 reviews
Park offering a pool, a playground and a skatepark and featuring tennis, baseball and soccer fields.
Liberty Trails Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 4 reviews
Moraine Hills State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,071 reviews
2,200+ acres of glacier-formed park with woods, wetlands & lakes for year-round sports & recreation.
Harrison Benwell Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 103 reviews
Preserve featuring trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, as well as picnic areas.
Boone Creek Conservation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
Sprawling destination featuring a number of trails, plus picnic tables, shelters and a deck.