Hiking & Trails in Illinois

You'll get a full day of diverse landscapes along this 11-mile loop, traversing prairies, savanna, lush oak-maple woods, and the mighty Rocky Glen waterfall. Looking for a shorter excursion? The 2-mile Poverty Prairie Trail showcases the preserve's restored grasslands in all their natural beauty.

Here, you'll find a unique coastal hiking experience along Lake Michigan. Along 5 miles of trails, traverse sandy shores, climb towering dunes, and explore diverse ecosystems with rare plant life and a variety of bird species. It's a convenient and refreshing escape from the big city.

Take an easy 1.5-mile walk through the largest tallgrass prairie east of the Mississippi. This trail lets you experience the landscape as it appeared before settlement. It's a family-friendly hike that's educational and scenic - you might even catch a glimpse of the preserve's bison herd.

Explore 10 miles of trails in Cook County's oldest forest preserve. The yellow trail offers a 5.4-mile loop through wetlands, prairies, and oak woodlands, where you'll cross bubbling creeks on stepping stones and spot diverse wildlife. It's a great spot year-round.

The 4.7-mile Canyon Loop is Starved Rock's signature hike, where you'll see waterfalls, canyons, and great Illinois River views. It can be a challenge, but it's worth it for the diverse scenery. (Though with that scenery comes popularity, so consider visiting on a weekday for a quieter experience.)

This 5-mile loop takes you through the park's upper and lower moss-covered dells (small, deep canyons), to the impressive 45-foot Cascade Falls. It's less crowded than nearby Starved Rock but equally beautiful, offering a more secluded experience. Prepare yourself for some steep stairs!

As a link between river towns, this trail is a choose-your-own-adventure! Start in Aurora for a quick jaunt, or tackle all 43 miles to Algonquin, on paved paths the whole way. You'll alternate between quaint downtown areas and serene natural settings, with the Fox River your constant companion.

This hidden gem offers an adventure through canyons carved by ancient glaciers. The River Route Trail hugs limestone bluffs, with new vistas at every turn, and the air filled by the sound of the river and warbler calls. It's a great destination year-round, but wear sturdy shoes - it can be rocky.

Allerton Park, part of the University of Illinois, blends art and nature across 14 miles of hiking trails. Wander through formal gardens, past grand sculptures, and into natural woodlands. Features like the Fu Dog Garden and 1900s mansion are sure to add historical charm and whimsy to your journey.

If you'd visited this spot a century ago, you'd have found yourself in the midst of a surface-mining operation. But nature has now made a comeback, with beautiful deep-water ponds and lush forests. The 7.6 mile trail is a challenge, but you'll also find some shorter, less-demanding walks.

This easy, 3.3-mile path offers scenic views year-round, crossing the Sangamon River and meandering through prairies. Benches along the way serve as good rest stops, and the flat, well-maintained surface is accessible for most visitors. You'll also find other trails in the woodlands nearby.

If you think Illinois is entirely flat, this rugged 11-mile loop along the Vermilion River will change your mind. Ravines and old-growth forests create a true wilderness feel here, with challenging climbs and amazing views. It's a perfect spot to get away and enjoy backcountry camping.

Ready for a challenge? This hike up limestone bluffs sure delivers, along with stunning Mississippi River views, and maybe even an eagle sighting or two. As you tackle those unique rock formations, you'll understand why adventure-loving hikes can't get enough of this trail.

Get lost in nature (not literally!) as you loop around a peaceful lake and through lush forests. The rolling hills keep things fun without wiping you out. As a bonus, some old home sites sprinkle in a little history. You're getting a walk through time as well as trees.

This hike can be a little steep, but trust us, it's worth every step. Impressive limestone formations will keep you company on the way up, and when you reach the top, the views of the Illinois River will make you forget the workout. It's the perfect mix of "whew" and "wow."

This park earns "hidden gem" status, and as you hike the diverse landscapes on this loop, you'll see why. From ridgetop vistas to cool, shaded creek valleys, the scenery will keep you guessing. Pack a picnic - the serene lake at the end is the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

Prepare for your jaw to drop. Garden of the Gods is a poster child for Illinois outdoor scenery, and with good reason. Massive sandstone formations and stunning views make this short trail feel otherworldly (hence the name). To make it an extra special treat, try to catch a sunrise or sunset here.

Take it easy on this stroll through a lush canyon to a wow-worthy 50-foot waterfall. Ferns and mossy rocks make it feel like you've stepped into a fairytale, meaning it's extra-good for families, as well as anyone looking for an easy-going adventure.

Combine your hike with a little hide-and-seek with nature. This family-friendly loop weaves through massive boulders and towering bluffs. You'll squeeze through narrow passages, find hidden nooks, and generally find out why early visitors thought they'd stumbled into a giant city of stone.

Step into Illinois' "hidden bayou". This unique boardwalk trail winds through a primeval flooded forest, amid ancient cypress and water tupelo. It's also a chance to try another special outdoor adventure: taking a canoe or kayak out onto the water so you can explore even deeper.