21 Of The Very Best Hiking Trails, State Parks, And Outdoor Adventures In Illinois
Looking to explore the great state of Illinois?
There's no better way to do that than by getting outdoors. Below you'll find more than 20 of the best outdoor adventures and nature spots that The Prairie State has to offer — from state parks, to hiking and biking trails, to historical sites. If I missed your favorite, leave it in the comments!
1.Matthiessen State Park
I've been to this park personally and can attest to its beauty. Located along the Illinois River, Matthiessen State Park offers leisurely hiking trails, water views, and forests to explore. Make sure to stop by the canyons, and bring water shoes because you might find yourself wandering through some puddles.
2.Starved Rock State Park
There are 18 different canyons, 14 waterfalls, and 13 miles of trails here. With plenty to do, this park is open year-round, and it shows off an impressive, roaring waterfall after a rainstorm.
3.Buffalo Rock State Park
To the east of Starved Rock you'll find Buffalo Rock State Park. There are two trails here — one that explores the forest and the other, which offers great river views. A highlight of the area is the Native American-inspired sculptures by Michael Heizer.
4.Kettle Moraine State Forest (South)
There are actually two sections of this park, but the south end is better known, and it's a shorter drive from Chicago. It boasts a variety of hiking options including (if you're up for it) a 30-mile trek on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
5.Glacial Park Conservation Area
The 5-mile trail includes lightly wooded sites and wetlands to explore, while the hills (or kames) in this area were formed by glaciers long ago. This is an easy hike for a less athletically inclined person (like me), but it still manages to be fun all around.
6.Kankakee River State Park
Located in Kankakee and Will Counties, Illinois, this state park is made up of 4,000 expansive acres of land. You can hike, bike around the area, and in the winter, snowmobile through the trails.
7.North Branch Trail
With a paved path perfect for biking or hiking, this spot is located within the larger area of Gompers Park. The trail, which winds through gorgeous forests, also leads to a 16-mile trek to the Skokie Lagoons.
8.Moraine Hills State Park
Named after the stones and boulders deposited here thousands of years ago, this 10-mile park winds around Lake Defiance. Perfect for casual explorers or a family boat day during the summertime, the state park is a great place to go fishing.
9.Ned Brown Forest Preserve
This preserve offers a gorgeous view of Brusse Lake and includes an 8-mile trail that loops around the park. Take time to explore the lakeshore and woods, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a herd of elk in an enclosed pasture to the east end.
10.Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
With 11 miles of trails, you're guaranteed to have fun at this unique preserve. The main 9.5-mile loop, complete with steep inclines that ensure a good workout, shows off incredible limestone terrain. Hike, bike, and explore the trails, but be careful venturing off the main path because it can be hard to rejoin the loop.
11.Shawnee National Forest
In addition to plenty of hiking options, this expansive national forest is also known for great rock climbing. Make the most of your trip with a walk around the 4.5 mile Jackson Falls Trail, or take in the gorgeous 320-million-year-old sandstone formations on the Garden of the Gods trail.
12.Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Established in 1996 as the first designated tallgrass prarie, the site is working to restore the fragile ecosystem that still exists there today. There are 29 miles of hiking trails with plenty to see and explore.
13.Deer Grove
Located in Palatine, Illinois, this spot is mainly comprised of wetlands and prairies. With 4 miles of paved trails, there are also 10 more unpaved trails you can explore if you're feeling extra adventurous.
14.Apple River Canyon State Park
With five different trails to explore, Apple River Canyon State Park proudly includes rugged, glorious canyons you can roam and plenty of wildlife. Established in 1932, this park sits close to the border of Wisconsin and includes 1,907 acres in total.
15.Ferne Clyffe State Park
Surrounded by gorgeous woods, this Southern Illinois park offers ample hiking opportunities, including a 2.1-mile trail that leads you past an incredible waterfall vista.
16.The Morton Arboretum
Make sure to reserve tickets before you head to this natural preserve. Known for its huge landscape, there are over 4,000 species of trees and plants as well as 16 miles of paved and wood-chipped trails. In the summer and fall, this park also hosts Theatre-Hikes, which are active outdoor performances.
17.Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
Well known for annual themed hikes (like the special maple syrup or Halloween-themed hike) and gorgeous, colorful trees, this area is best explored during the fall. There are 6.5 miles of paths to explore and historic cabins built by early settlers near the Des Plaines River.
18.Castle Rock State Park
With 6 miles of trails to explore, this park is best known for its impressive natural flora and fauna. See if you can spot remains of the distinctive prairies that once covered the area. There are a few wooden bridge paths that meet along a series of interconnected loop trails.
19.Illinois Beach State Park
Looking to take in the Lake Michigan shoreline but don't want to travel far? Head over to this 6.5-mile state park for a truly magnificent view.
20.Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
Located in the former Joliet Iron and Steel Works site, this historic area isn't your typical hiking trail. Once one of the large steel mills in the US, it's now a half-mile trail that winds through the leftover work area.
21.I&M Canal Trail
This 7.5-mile trail in Lockport is frequented by hikers, joggers, and bikers. It actually makes up part of the larger Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, which covers 15 miles in total. A cool fact is that you can take this trail in order to access Romeoville, Illinois.
