Grant Funds Big Rock Trail Improvement Project
The State has announced the Big Rock Forest Preserve trail
improvement project will be awarded a $200,000 grant. The grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The Forest Preserve District of Kane County project was among 19 across the state awarded a combined $3.7 million.
Read more about the grant here.
Big Rock Forest Preserve 46W072 Jericho Rd. Big Rock, IL
- Bluegill:10 fish daily harvest limit
- Channel Catfish: 3 fish daily harvest limit
- Common Carp: No harvest limit
- Crappie (white or black):10 fish daily harvest limit
- Largemouth Bass: Protected slot limit between 14-18 inches. Harvest limit of one fish greater or equal to 18 inches and three fish less than 14 inches
- Northern Pike: One fish daily harvest limit, 24-inch minimum length
- Smallmouth Bass: Catch and release, only
Big Rock Creek, rated one of the best quality streams in Illinois, is home to freshwater mussels — indicators of high-quality habitat.
High sandy bluffs overlook patches of woodlands and prairies in the preserve, and a specialized wetland called a fen is fed by underground seeps on the southeastern portion of the preserve.
Visitors may walk from either of the two parking lots to the woodlands, the marsh, the fen and the prairie. There is a loop trail around Seigler Lake, with beautiful views over the water. Please note: there is absolutely no swimming allowed in Big Rock Forest Preserve. Violators risk fines of up to $200. A 1.25 mile, screenings trail, established in 2013, leads north from the lake to Big Rock Campground.
Horses are allowed on designated equestrian trails.
This preserve also includes a horseback riding area. Most horse trails are natural surface, mowed grass paths. Limestone screenings trails and asphalt bike trails are available in some of the preserves. These are multi-use trails shared with runners, bicyclists, dog walkers etc. Horse riders are required to stay on designated, forest preserve-maintained trails. Trail riding is not allowed in restricted natural areas, Illinois Nature Preserves, picnic areas or in farmed areas. To prevent trail damage during wet weather, trails may be temporarily closed. Individual forest preserves will post a sign at the entrance when horse trails are closed. Trails are currently OPEN for equestrian use at this preserve.
The preserve originated in 1992 with 294 acres. In 1998, 133 acres were added, which includes the gravel quarry. In 2003, 30 acres were added to the preserve. In 2006, 118 acres were added. In 2008, 19 acres were added. The final 246 acres that make-up the preserve were purchased in 2010, with partial funding through an Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Open Space Land Acquisition & Development (OSLAD) acquisition grant.
Siegler Lake is a premier feature of the preserve. Formerly a limestone quarry, the lake was formed when high floodwaters breached the banks of Big Rock and Welch Creeks in 1996, sending torrents of water into the quarry. The result of this flood event was a 32-acre lake, complete with fish and invertebrates that were swept in with the floodwaters. Subsequent fish habitat projects have been undertaken, and the lake supports a diversity of fish and aquatic wildlife. It's a popular destination for anglers.
Amenities
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Picnic Areas
- Shelters
