Recently, we hiked at McHenry County Conservation District's second-largest preserve, Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, near Woodstock, Illinois. I had heard a number of good things about Pleasant Valley so it has been on my list for a while. I am glad that we finally had an opportunity to explore this wonderful preserve!
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| Beautiful view from atop a ridge near the amphitheater at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area. |
The rolling landscape of Pleasant Valley full of hills, valleys, and streams is a reminder that glaciers once moved through this area. Receding glaciers really sculpted interesting landscapes here in northern Illinois and Pleasant Valley is no exception. We love more rolling hikes so glacier-sculpted landscapes provide quite the treat.
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| The amphitheater has a fantastic view of the Kishwaukee River. |
We began our visit exploring an overlook and the adjacent amphitheater. We enjoyed a splendid view of the Kishwaukee River. After taking in the moment, we embarked on a trail.
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| Trees reflect in a gentle pond at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area. |
Pleasant Valley is home to over 5-miles of hiking trails that guide you through a range of ecosystems including wetlands, prairie, and oak savanna. We soon ambled to a lovely and incredibly serene little pond. Such a sweet spot for a pause.
Pleasant Valley Fact: Pleasant Valley is home to the endangered Blanding's Turtles.
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| Golden and rust-colored grasses populated the late fall prairie. |
We then embarked into the prairie and found ourselves surrounded by the golden and rust-colored grasses of late fall. I would like to come back in the summer when the prairie is full of flowers and butterflies!
Eventually, we found ourselves hiking through the savanna of Pleasant Valley with a number of arbors surrounding us. After fall leaves have fallen, trees reveal their winter shapes. I love studying the variety of shapes of trees during the winter months. As we ambled through the savanna, we also noted quite a few birds so a nice spot for a little birding. In the warmer months, the wetlands of the preserve are noted for a rookery so a great opportunity to see our waterbirds.
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| Looking way up high at the evergreens! |
In addition to hiking, Pleasant Valley is fantastic for picnicking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Pleasant Valley truly presents a lovely preserve for enjoying nature. The varied landscape intrigues throughout the year with seasonal nature changes. We look forward to returning to see how nature changes throughout the year.
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