Sledding hill enthusiasts have waited a long time for winter’s arrival.
Finally, the hills are covered in snow, and there are plenty of area sledding spots with beautiful scenery and other amenities.
Sledders should exercise caution.
According to the National Safety Council Tips for Safer Sledding and Tobogganing, the correct position for sledding is to lie on your back, or sit on the sled, with your feet facing down the hill. Sledding head first increases the risk of injury.
Many area hills prohibit metal runners on sleds, and some prohibit snowboarding.
Check out these area sledding hills:
Huntley
Deicke Park, 11419 S. Route 47, is the most popular sledding destination in town. More information is available from the Huntley Park District.
Algonquin
, 1001 Gaslight Dr., is a popular hill. High Hill Park and Nature Preserve, 501 Kirkland, has nice vistas. Spella Park, 2610 Harnish Drive, has great views, a fast hill, lights and a warming element.
Crystal Lake
The Crystal Lake Park District has something for everyone with several sledding hills. Veterans Park, Rte. 176 at Walkup Ave., has two hills – the Babe Ruth Hill is lighted, and there is another unlit hill south of the Nature Center.
A third sledding hill is at Butternut Preserve, off Butternut Drive, east of Briarwood Road.
The city of Crystal Lake just built a toboggan hill at Three Oaks Recreation Center, 5517 Northwest Hwy. The hill is open during daylight hours.
Also a hot sledding spot for residents of Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills: The slope behind Indian Prairie School in Crystal Lake. The hill faces Miller Road just west of Randall Road. Kids sled there day and night. Only a few lights are in the area.
Cary
Sled from dawn to dusk at Lions Park, Silver Lake Road, north of Three Oaks Road.
Ringwood
The McHenry County Conservation District has a sledding hill at Glacial Park, off Rte. 31 and Harts Road.
Wauconda
Lakewood Forest Preserve Winter Sports Area, at Fairfield and Ivanhoe roads, offers a large, lighted hill.
Island Lake
Converse Park, Rte. 176, west of N. Darrell Rd., offers a high, lighted hill.
Related Topics: Sledding
Stephanie Price contributed to this article.
