When envisioning a trip to the state of Illinois, natural beauty is probably not the first phrases to flee your lips. The windy metropolis of Chicago grabs the headline as the gem of Illinois, however beyond the distracting bright lights of the big city is a state plentiful with farmland, forests, wetlands, and rolling hills.
Tucked away in these lesser-known areas are hundreds of unique and naturally various hiking trails that make rural Illinois a hidden treasure for out of doors lovers.
Here is your information to 25 spectacular hiking trails in “The Prairie State” – the good state of Illinois.
1. Giant City Nature Trail
Credit: ShutterstockDirections: From Carbondale, head south on S Giant City Road and drive for 9.7 miles before turning right onto S Church Street. Continue for 0.three miles and make a left to stay on S Church Street. After one other zero.3 miles, turn left onto Stonefort Road. Drive for 0.5 miles and turn left onto Giant City Lodge Road, the trailhead will be in your proper.
This short-but-sweet hike through Giant City State is arguably probably the most scenic trail in all of Illinois. The trail is primarily an beautiful wood boardwalk enclosed by 12,000-year-old sandstone bluffs, creating the namesake, “Giant City Streets”.
Keep an eye out for names etched into the encompassing rock partitions – at first glance, it appears to be graffiti, however a extra in-depth look reveals names carved all the way again within the mid-1800s.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.0 Miles
Elevation Gain: one hundred sixty Feet
2. Garden of the Gods Observation Trail
Credit: ShutterstockDirections: From Harrisburg, head south on IL-145 S for six.zero miles and take a left onto IL-34 S. Continue for 9.four miles and make another left onto 1180 N/Karbers Ridge Road. Drive for two.8 miles and make a left onto Garden of the Gods Road. After 1.zero miles, take a left to stay on Garden of the Gods Road and the trailhead shall be in your left.
This hidden gem transports you away from the flat landscape of the Midwest. The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is an overlooking trail that passes by way of deep forests and delightful views of the encircling lakes and rivers.
Be looking out halfway via the loop for Devil’s Smokestack, a unique rock formation resembling a cave stalagmite overlooking the valley.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: zero.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 39 Feet
Related Read: 15 Top Treehouse Rentals in Illinois
3. Fern Clyffe Waterfall Trail
Credit: Larry Senalik / FlickrDirections: From Marion, head south on IL-37 S and drive for 14.8 miles. Look for the indicators for Ferne Cliffe State Park and make a proper at the entrance. Continue for 1.0 miles and the trailhead might be on your right.
Located throughout the Shawnee National Forest, the Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail is a brief, however challenging trek to the shores of a tall, wispy waterfall.
The hike meanders by way of lush forests along rocky terrain earlier than opening to the refreshing waterfall. This trail may be rugged, so make certain to put on appropriate footwear.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.three Miles
Elevation Gain:206 Feet
four. Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail
Credit: ShutterstockDirections: From North Utica, drive south on IL-178 S/S Clark Street for three.three miles before turning proper onto N 25th Road. Drive for one more 0.9 miles and the trailhead for the Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail will be in your right.
A beautiful and diverse hike inside Matthiessen State Park, Dells Canyon, and Bluff Trail is a tremendous trail that takes you thru quite a lot of distinctive natural environments.
The trail begins with a cascading waterfall that leads the way down an attractive canyon. Follow (and cross) the slow-trickling waters until reaching the bottom – a peaceful and serene lake fed by one other cascading waterfall.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.zero Miles
Elevation Gain: 206 Feet
5. Salt Lick and Johnson Trail Loop
Credit: David Walker / FlickrDirections: From Waterloo, head south on IL-156 W for 8.eight miles and turn proper onto Quarry Street. Drive for 0.5 miles and turn right onto Limestone Lane and the trailhead for the Salt Lick and Johnson Trail Loop shall be on your left.
This reasonable hike is a wonderful trail via Illinois prairie lands. Along the greatest way are alternatives to capture vibrant and blooming spring wildflowers.
Once reaching the highest of the loop, you’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 452 Feet
6. Little Grand Canyon Trail
Credit: borabora_54 / Flickr
Directions:
From Carbondale, head west on W Murphysboro Road for 2.0 miles and take a left onto Country Club Road. Drive for 1.1 miles and make a proper onto Chautauqua Road. Stay on Chautauqua Road for two.6 miles earlier than merging onto Orchard Hill Road, continue for one more 2.8 miles. Make a right onto Poplar Ridge Road and drive for 1.2 miles earlier than merging onto Hickory Ridge Road. After 2.4 miles, flip right onto Little Grand Canyon Road and after 0.2 miles, the parking area shall be in your right.
The Little Grand Canyon Trail is a canyon that you would not know existed unless you have been on the lookout for it. Hidden in the Shawnee National Forest, this trail is a light descent right into a deep canyon that cuts via the lengths of the park. With the depth of the canyon, moisture can gather in this lush canyon so be ready for slick trail conditions.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: three.four Miles
Elevation Gain: 508 Feet
7. Buffalo Viewing Trail
Credit: Michael Fitzgerald / AllTrailsDirections: From Joliet, drive south on IL-53 S to W Peotone Road in Florence Township for 9.7 miles and make a left onto US-6 W. Continue on US-6 W for 1.four miles until merging onto IL-53 S. Continue for 9.7 miles and make a left onto Schweitzer Ed Road. After 0.2 miles, turn left after which an immediate proper and your parking area for this hike is on your proper.
In the nineteenth century, massive populations of grazing buffalo and bison inhabited the prairies simply exterior of Joliet but were over-hunted and unfortunately left this space uninhabited.
However, in 2015, USDA Forest Reintroduced 27 bison back into the setting. The Buffalo Viewing Trail is a terrific way to witness and get up and shut (but not too close) to these returned native creatures just outside the busy city limits.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: fifty two Feet
eight. Pierce Lake Trail
Credit: chumlee10 / FlickrDirections: From Rockford, drive northeast on IL-251 N for 2.four miles and make a slight proper onto Forest Hills Road. Continue for an additional 5.6 miles and use the right two lanes to show right onto West Lane Road. Stay on West Lane Road for 1.9 miles and make a right into Loves Park. Drive for zero.7 miles and make a right onto Hart Rd and drive for 1.9 miles, the trailhead might be in your left.
This light hike follows along the forested shores of expansive Pierce Lake. A native favorite, this hike by way of Rock Cut State Park is a busy trail that’s popular with a number of kinds of out of doors lovers.
It is common to see a dozen fishing boats and high-speed water skiers disturbing the calm floor. The scenic shores of this trail create wonderful opportunities for tranquil dips in the lake at nearly every junction.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: three.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 72 Feet
9. Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail
Credit: ShutterstockDirections: From La Salle, drive east on US-6 E for 0.8 miles and switch right onto E 709th Road. Continue for 1.three miles and turn right onto N Division Street. After 0.3 miles, merge onto IL-178 S and drive for an additional 1.5 miles and switch left into Starved Rock State Park. After zero.8 miles, make a left and the trailhead might be in your left.
The hike to Starved Rock and Sandstone Point is a trail with a quantity of highlights that are well definitely worth the worth of admission. The final spotlight is a stunning canyon that resembles a cave.
In the middle of this “cave,” a robust waterfall crashes down onto a sharp rock formation, creating a novel shaded and enclosed area behind the falls.
T&T Tip: Visit within the winter, as the waterfall seemingly freezes instantaneously and retains its frozen shape in opposition to the sharp rock formation.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.three miles
Elevation Gain: 337 Feet
10. Deer Grove Yellow Loop Trail
Credit: Forest Preserves of Cook CountyDirections: From Arlington Heights, head northwest on US-14 W for 4.8 miles and turn right onto N Quentin Road. Drive for 1.3 miles and switch left into the Cook County Forest Preserve and drive for an additional zero.7 miles and the parking area will be on the left.
The Deer Grove Yellow Loop is a light and steady climb by way of the rolling hills of a few of Illinois’ best prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.
Although this trail doesn’t result in majestic overlooks, it more than makes up for it with ample opportunities to capture a big selection of native wildlife, such as chipmunks, coyotes, and thousands of species of distinctive birds to identify.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 298 Feet
eleven. Busse Woods Loop Trail
Credit: ShutterstockDirections: From Arlington Heights, head south on N Arlington Heights Road and drive for four.1 miles and switch right onto IL-72 W. Continue driving for 1.1 miles and the trailhead shall be in your proper.
Busse Woods Loop Trail is a unique vacation spot in the reality that is more of a strolling elk safari than a typical day hike. This comfortable 7-mile hike has little-to-no elevation acquire and is paved in its entirety.
Along this trail, it is very important keep your eyes peeled – these hills have herds of elk that could be spotted by the hundreds! If you do spot a herd, DO NOT approach them. They may be extraordinarily dangerous if provoked.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 7.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: one hundred and one Feet
12. Waterfall Glen Trail
Credit: ShutterstockDirections: From Naperville, head east on seventy fifth Street for 9.zero miles and switch right onto S Cass Avenue. Continue for 1.9 miles and switch right onto Northgate Road. After 0.1 miles, the trailhead will be in your proper.
The Waterfall Glen Trail is the best escape from the brilliant lights of Chicagoland. Just an hour outdoors the town, this hike takes you deep throughout the pure prairies and savannas of Illinois, far enough to escape the overwhelming sounds of Chicago.
The long trail leads you to an unimaginable multi-tiered tumbling waterfall, resting in a calm and shallow creek – a wonderful and refreshing natural retreat from the city.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 9.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 400 Feet
13. Sag Valley Yellow Trail Loop
Credit: ShutterstockDirections: From Joliet, drive north on IL-171 N for 10 miles and turn right onto IL-83 S. Continue on IL eighty three S for 3.6 miles and turn proper into Swallow Cliff Woods and after 0.1 miles you will find the parking area for the hike.
The Sag Valley Yellow Trail Loop is a moderate hike along comfy crushed limestone that may be a popular horseback and mountain biking trail in addition to hiking.
The hike follows atop rocky bluffs looking down on old toboggan slides as you traverse the perimeter of a dense forest simply exterior town. The light trail is an excellent and handy escape from the busy components of metropolis life.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 410 Feet
Related Read: 15 Best Romantic Getaways In Illinois
14. Indian Point Trail
Credit: Curtis Abert / FlickrDirections: From Harrisburg, head south on IL-145 S for six.zero miles and take a left onto IL-34 S. Continue for 9.four miles and make one other left onto 1180 N/Karbers Ridge Road. Drive for two.8 miles and make a left onto Garden of the Gods Road. After 1.zero miles, take a left to stay on Garden of the Gods Road and the trailhead might be on your left.
The Indian Loop Trail is an distinctive selection when you desire a trail that is off the overwhelmed path. Following alongside a rock-strewn ridge, this trail descends beneath the bluffs into a rocky canyon full of rock scrambling alternatives.
The trail is poorly marked and not well maintained, so be cautious wandering too removed from the trail – but the payoff is in its seclusion and tranquil nature.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 187 Feet
15. Saint Louis Canyon Trail
Credit: ShutterstockDirections: From North Utica, head south on IL-178 S for 1.4 miles and turn left onto E 875th Road. Drive for 1.3 miles and make a left onto Lodge Lane. Drive on Lodge Lane for zero.2 miles and switch left, adopted by an instantaneous proper and the parking space might be in your right.
Another unimaginable hike inside Starved Rocks State Park, the trail to Saint Louis Falls will depart you with memories for a lifetime. The trail is a set of clean canyons that result in many superbly forested offshoots.
This path steeply leads you down into a slender canyon with an imposing crashing waterfall that creates a mid-western oasis beneath the high canyon partitions.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 232 Feet
sixteen. Palos Orange Trail
Credit: Michael Gaughan / AllTrailsDirections: From Joliet, head north on IL-171 N for 14.5 miles and turn right to remain on IL-171 N. After 2.4 miles, make another right onto W ninety fifth Street. Drive for 0.2 miles and turn onto Wolf Road. After zero.7 miles, the trailhead for the Palos Orange Trail might be on your right.
The Palos Orange Trail is a hike hidden alongside a beautiful ravine simply outdoors of downtown Chicago. This scenic trail is a popular path that is perfect for mountain biking and hiking.
The stage trail through Wolf Rock Woods is surrounded is a wonderfully and comfortably shaded hike through the lush wilderness. Be sure to maintain your ears peeled, there will probably be mountain bike traffic along your path.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: 423 Feet
17. Jackson Falls Trail
Credit: Mike Sirach / FacebookDirections: From Bloomfield, head northeast on US-45 N for eight.8 miles and make a right onto Ozark Road. After 1.9 miles, make a proper to remain on Ozark Road. Continue for 2.eight miles and make a right onto Glen Street Falls Road and drive for an additional 1.9 miles and the trailhead parking area will be in your right.
The hike to Jackson Falls is greater than meets the eye. The trail is a moderate hike by way of the beautiful Illinois wilderness surrounded by distinctive rock formations that make for a climbing and bouldering wonderland.
After a couple of miles of hiking by way of this dense panorama, you’ll be rewarded with Jackson Falls, a surprising multi-tiered waterfall that crashes to the rocky shores at your feet.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: four.2 Miles
Elevation Gain: 433 Feet
Related Read: 15 Best Waterfalls Near Chicago
18. Rim Rock Recreational Trail
Credit: ShutterstockDirections: From Harrisburg, head west onto IL-13 E for 13.four miles and turn proper onto IL-1 S. Drive for another 8.7 miles and take a right onto Pounds Hollow Road. Continue for 3.0 miles and the parking space will be in your proper.
The Rim Rock Recreational Trail is a short hike that isn’t only stunning but historic! This slim canyon hike is a average stroll via a few of the most unique trail situations in southern Illinois.
The trail was constructed by Late Woodland Native Americans nearly 1,500 years ago! It was not until 1980 that this trail was named and protected as a nationwide recreation trail.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.7 Miles
Elevation Gain:360 Feet
19. Salt Creek Greenway Trail
Credit: Frank Kloskowski / FlickrDirections: From downtown Chicago, head west onto I-290 W for 9.7 miles and take exit 20 for IL-171 toward 1st Avenue. Stay on IL-171 for two.2 miles and switch proper onto Golfview Drive. Drive for another zero.2 miles and make a right onto thirty first Street. After another 0.2 miles, make a right onto McCormick Avenue. Drive for 0.2 miles and you will attain the parking area for this hike.
The Salt Creek Greenway Trail is a multipurpose trail that runs from the Brookfield Zoo to Busse Woods Preserve. Along this paved pathway, you will have comfy walking situations for miles that lead you through the hilly panorama of southern Illinois.
The path provides excellent views of a glacial valley, gravelly boulder clay rock formations, and the distinctive swimming pools of Salt Creek.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 13.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 229 Feet
20. Trillium Trail
Credit: Ian van Zyl / FlickrDirections: From Carbondale, head south onto S Illinois Avenue for 1.three miles and switch left onto E Pleasant Hill Road. After zero.four miles, make a proper onto Springer Ridge Road and drive for one more 5.6 miles. Make a sharp left onto Stonefort Road and after 0.1 miles, the parking area for the hike might be on your proper.
The Trillium Trail is a rugged, however moderate trail that’s surrounded by pure magnificence. Along this short route, you’ll observe a snug filth path beneath unimaginable rocky bluffs lush with green foliage emanating from the surface.
This trail is finest completed later in the season to keep away from muddy situations, but in addition to seize the good thing about the altering colours of the fall leaves.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.three Miles
Elevation Gain: 164 Feet
21. Herrick Lake Trail
Credit: AndiMarie777 / FlickrDirections: From Naperville, drive north on S Washington Street for 4.zero miles before turning left onto W Warrenville Road. Continue for 0.6 miles and turn proper onto the first cross road onto Herrick Road. After 1.zero miles, comply with the signs for the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve West parking Lot, the trailhead for this hike.
The Herrick Lake Trail is a superb hike that takes you through miles of Illinois’ lush prairies and wetlands, without veering too far from the city. Tucked between two separate interstate systems, the trail within the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve is a multi-purpose path lined with crushed gravel.
If you are an angler, this is an excellent place to bait your hook. Along the best way, you’ll encounter two calm and expansive lakes which are a perfect place to forged a line.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 164 Feet
Credit: ShutterstockDirections: From Lincoln Park, head east onto Fullerton Ave for zero.9 miles earlier than turning right to merge onto US Hwy 41 S. Continue for 1.5 miles and use the proper 2 lanes to merge onto N Lake Shore Drive. Drive for 0.3 miles and switch left onto E Lake Shore Drive. After 0.2 miles, make a proper onto E Walton Street, and after one other 0.9 miles. Make a fast proper onto N Michigan Ave and drive 0.3 miles earlier than taking the ramp onto E Lake Shore Drive. Merge onto US Highway 41 N and drive for zero.4 miles and take the Lasalle Drive exit toward North Avenue – the parking space shall be in your right.
This part of Lakeshore Path – North Ave to Navy Pier, is a piece of an 18-mile trail alongside the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Chicago.
This quick out-and-back section of this trail begins on the shores of Ohio Street seashores and continues until you get a transparent view of the iconic Navy Pier.
Along the trail, you’ll be flanked by the tall skyscrapers making up the Chicago skyline – with the John Hancock Building as your compass.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.eight Miles
Elevation Gain: 22 Feet
Related Read: 25 Best Hiking Trails Near Chicago
23. Panther Den Loop
Credit: d_stalion / FlickrDirections: From Carbondale, take West Walnut Street for 0.9 miles and make a slight proper onto E Walnut Street. Continue for one more zero.9 miles and make a proper onto S Giant City. Drive for six.1 miles before making a left onto Grassy Road. After 3.zero miles, turn proper onto Rocky Comfort Road and drive for 1.9 miles. Turn onto N Rocky Comfort Road and drive for 3.1 miles before making a left onto Panthers Den Road. Drive for 1.5 miles, turn left onto Panthers Den Lane, and after another 0.5 miles you will reach the parking area.
In the Shawnee National Forest on the southern border of Illinois, the Panther Den Wilderness hiking loop is a novel trail that takes you through rolling hills that characteristic peculiar bluffs which are curiously eroded. The bluffs have eroded in a way that resembles an animal’s den, particularly that of panthers.
The trail is rugged and decently maintained, however there are a quantity of muddy and rocky spots. Be certain to bring the right footwear or will probably be a muddy afternoon.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 285 Feet
24. Saw Wee Kee Trail
Credit: Will Brand / FlickrDirections: From Aurora, head south on State Route 31 S for 5.8 miles and merge onto US-34 W. Stay on US-34 W for 1.2 miles and take a left onto S Orchard Road. After zero.7 miles, make a proper onto Budlong Road and make an instantaneous right onto Minkler Road. Follow Minkler Road for 1.0 miles and switch proper into the parking area for this hike.
The Saw Wee Kee Trail is a rustic and muddy trail alongside Fox River that you could count on you get soiled. The path subtly rolls through dense hills in See Wee Kee Park however can be an extremely well-liked mountain biking single observe.
With the popularity of the trail, the trail situations deteriorate and turns into a protracted slog by way of a wonderful and natural wilderness. Do not let it deter you, splashing by way of the terrain is an experience that is best loved from the eyes of your internal baby.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 10.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 209 Feet
25. Pere Marquette Outer Loop
Credit: Camping MissouriDirections: From Wood River, drive west on IL-143 W for 5.2 miles and take one of the two left lanes to turn left onto W Broadway. After zero.three miles, take IL-100 N for 20.9 miles and make a proper onto Visitors Center Lane after which a direct left to stay on Visitors Center Lane and the trailhead might be in your proper.
The Pere Marquette Outer Loop is a wonderful overlooking hike that circles the whole thing of Pere Marquette State Park. This reasonable trail takes up an incredibly scenic ridge that continues climbing greater till you attain the ridge.
The remainder of the journey follows the ridge, giving overlooking views of Bundy Lake, the Mississippi River, and on a cloudless day, you possibly can have unobstructed views of the St. Louis Skyline – including the well-known Gateway Arch.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.three Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,033 Feet