Hollows 2

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hollows 2 in the state of Illinois is a beautiful nature reserve that is worth visiting.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Located in McHenry County, the reserve offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds.

Some of the points of interest in Hollows 2 include the Hollows Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and the Lake Atwood Trail, which winds around the lake and offers great opportunities for fishing and boating. Visitors can also explore the visitor center, which features exhibits on the local flora and fauna.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the reserve was once used as a quarry for the construction of the Illinois Tollway. Today, the area has been restored to its natural beauty, with restored wetlands and prairies.

The best time of year to visit Hollows 2 is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its best. During the summer, the area can become crowded with visitors, so it's best to plan your visit accordingly.

Overall, Hollows 2 is a wonderful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and miles of trails, it's a great place to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of Illinois.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks