Rock Cut State Park
Rock Cut State Park is a state park of the U.S. state of Illinois. Located near Rockford in Winnebago County, it covers 3,254 acres (1,317 ha), enveloping Pierce Lake and Olson Lake. Rock Cut Park's main entrance is located on Highway 173, 1 mile west of Interstate 90.
All OHVs must be registered with license plate visible and all riders under 16 must have the appropriate safety certificate.
The trail system at Rock Cut offers opportunities for hiking (40 miles), mountain biking (23 miles), and equestrian (14 miles). Trail users will find updated trail head/information signs at picnic areas and trail access points for trail information and regulations.
Only certain trails are designated for mountain biking and equestrian use and are identified by color-coded trail markers. Blue trails are for mountain biking and hiking, yellow trails are for equestrian and hiking, and red trails are restricted to hiking only. Rock Cut does not have horse rentals or stables at the site. Lockwood Park, a facility of the Rockford Park District, has trail ride and horse boarding opportunities available at their facility, which is approximately 10 miles from the park.
Trail activities have been divided into "summer and winter" seasons to provide quality seasonal programs. The "summer program" (mountain biking and equestrian) trails are open April 1-November 30. These regulations for mountain biking and equestrian use will be strictly enforced and violators are subject to fines.
The "winter program" provides for groomed cross-country trails as conditions permit. Cross country skis and snowshoes can be rented through the park concession; for hours and information call 815-885-4740. The groomed trails can also be accessed at the Lions Club Picnic Area. As a courtesy, hikers and those hiking with snowshoes are asked to use other trails that have not been groomed for skiing.
Rock Cut also offers access (at the Pierce Lake spillway) to the Willow Creek Bike Trail and Perryville Path, a paved trail system connecting the local communities of Loves Park and Rockford to Rock Cut State Park.
Directions
I-90 West to Rockford. Take the Highway 173 Exit. Go West for one-half mile to the Park Entrance. For more information about the Rockford Area, please visit the Rockford Visitors Bureau- Enjoy Your Visit.
- Please abide by park rules during your visit.
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed