'Skate Ski Trail' Added at Silver Creek in Cary

Skate Ski Trail added at Silver Creek Conservation Area, Cary

In response to a number of inquiries from the public, the McHenry County Conservation District has added a Skate Ski Trail at Silver Creek Conservation Area, 1200 Block of Rawson Bridge Road, Cary. 

A skate ski trail is differs from a traditional cross country ski trail, a MCCD news release explained. The trail is packed but not tracked. The trail at Silver Creek is a 1.5 mile, relatively flat trail loop.

Skate skiing is more intense and a faster technique, mimicking the movement of ice skaters, the release states. The skier propels himself forward by pushing off poles and skis diagonally outward, rather than the long glide in cross country skiing.

“We received roughly 10 inquiries in the past two weeks," said Wendy Kummerer, communications manager for MCCD. 

"In past years we would get a few, but then the snowy weather conditions wouldn’t last. This year's conditions, with the snow coming early and often, may have prompted an increases interest. Our site rangers took a look at where a skate ski trail would be best suited and came up with Silver Creek Conservation area, which is already open all winter but receives minimal use."

 The Silver Creek Conservation Area parking lot is plowed and there is room for 12 -15 cars and restrooms.