Our Favorite Illinois Hiking Trails
Time spent on the trails is time well-spent. Whether you hit these hiking trails in Illinois with just a four-legged companion or with the whole family in tow, you’re sure to enjoy these popular hikes. Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, there are hundreds of scenic hikes to be taken in the Prairie State. Here are ten of our favorites.
Waterfall Glen Trail
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
In DuPage County, the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve offers 11 miles of hiking trails in Illinois. The Waterfall Glen Trail is the most popular trail at the preserve. At just over nine miles in total, the trail is made up of a wide gravel path through the rolling hills that passes by calm bodies of water and the namesake waterfall. Though long, the trail is relatively easy and is popular with families. It’s pet-friendly as well! In summer, the Waterfall Glen Trail is popular for hiking, running and biking. During winter months, you’re likely to catch a few cross-country skiers instead.
Little Grand Canyon Trail
Shawnee National Forest
Though the real Grand Canyon is quite a drive from Illinois, the Little Grand Canyon in Pomona Township is a more manageable destination. The year-round Little Grand Canyon Trail is a 3-mile loop through the Shawnee National Forest. The hike is best in spring when colorful wildflowers bloom along the path and in fall when the forest becomes a collage of autumn colors. It has a trail rating of difficult to moderate due to the wet, rocky terrain and steep slopes. Though difficult, the beauty of the Little Grand Canyon Trail is well worth it for those able to manage.
Garden of the Gods Observation Trail
Garden of the Gods Wilderness
After your visit to the Little Grand Canyon Trail, head over to one of the other popular trails in the Shawnee National Forest: The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail. The stunning rock formations here were formed over hundreds of millions of years, and the views are breathtaking. The half-mile trail is a simple loop where you can see some of the best views of the Garden of the Gods Wilderness.
After the short Observation Trail, there are plenty of other hiking trails in Illinois to visit in the Garden of the Gods Wilderness. We want to highlight Indian Point Trail as well. At just under two miles, this hike takes you through the tall pine forests. At the end, you come out at the crest of a hill that overlooks the Garden of the Gods valley.
Dells Canyon Bluff Trail
Matthiessen State Park
This two-mile loop near Oglesby, Illinois, is considered a moderately difficult trail that’s well worth it. Dells Canyon Bluff Trail takes you through deep canyons with ridged rock formations where you can spot the occasional waterfall. After the Bluff Trail, you can walk the River Trail that also winds through Matthiessen State Park. These two popular hiking trails in Illinois are also well-known for horseback riding, cross-country skiing and more.
Sag Valley Yellow Trail Loop
Swallow Cliff Woods
The Sag Valley Trail System has miles of trails to choose from, but the Sag Valley Yellow Trail is the most popular for visitors. It’s one of the more moderately difficult hiking trails in Illinois. This 7.6-mile trail cuts through the Swallow Cliff Woods near Palos Park. The trail is open year-round and is popular for everything from biking and horseback riding to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Busse Woods Loop Trail
Ned Brown Forest Preserve
Busse Woods Loop Trail is an easy 7.5-mile loop through the Ned Brown Forest Preserve. The preserve itself is popular for hiking, biking and fishing. It’s named for Busse Lake in Elk Grove Township. It’s a partially paved trail and popular with kids and pets. You can also spot elk during your hike!
Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock is one of the most popular state parks to find hiking trails in Illinois. While Saint Louis Canyon Trail deserves an honorable mention, the Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail is the most popular. The trail is just over four miles and is considered moderately challenging. It partially runs alongside the Illinois River which makes for some beautiful waterfront scenery. The Overlook Trail is one of the more populated trails at the park, so you can expect to run into other hikers on your trip.
Salt Lick and Johnson Trail Loop
Salt Lick Nature Reserve
This is another obvious addition to the top ten hiking trails in Illinois. It’s just under three miles and loops near Moredock Lake so you can enjoy waterfront sights on your walk. The Salt Lick Point Land and Water Preserve covers over 600 acres to protect the prairies and glades. The path rises to Salt Lick Point, the highest point in Monroe County. The second part of the loop follows a slight descent back to the parking area.
Giant City Nature Trail
Giant City State Park
The Giant City Nature Trail is one of the easier hiking trails in Illinois. It’s a simple one-mile loop near Makanda in Giant City State Park. There are two popular stops on the trail: balanced rock and sandstone shelf. The balanced rock has been precariously positioned for thousands of years; it was likely lodged there as the glaciers melted. The sandstone shelf is a cave-type structure that was likely used by Native Americans for shelter thousands of years ago. You can learn more about the history behind Giant City State Park at their Visitors Center before you head out.
Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail
Ferne Clyffe State Park
Though this hike is just over one mile, it’s considered a more challenging route. The park itself is popular for birding, camping and hiking. The hike begins at Deer Ridge Campground and ends at the waterfall. The water around the falls is calm and shallow, so it’s the perfect place to cool off after a long hike! There are also paths around and up the waterfall, though they can be slippery when they are wet. You’ll likely encounter plenty of other hikers, both with families and pets, headed toward the waterfall.
Whatever your adventure, Kate’s has the trailer for you. Need a new enclosed trailer for your business? Or a utility trailer to take your snowmobile to the trails this winter? Kate’s Trailer Sales has a wide variety trailers for sale in Arthur, Illinois. Visit our trailer dealership in person or browse our trailers online. If you need work on the trailer you already own, visit us for trailer parts and service in Illinois. Contact us today to find out more!
