Illinois
Looking for the best hiking in Illinois? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Illinois. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Illinois
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Joliet, Illinois
Hike the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site Trails Loop
4.01.3 mi / 26 ft gainThe Joliet Iron Works Historic Site Trail is typically used for hiking, walking, and birding. If you want to amp up your hike, hop on the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, an 11 mile trail connecting the iron works to the Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve.Read more -
Oak Brook, Illinois
Run the Fullersburg Woods Loop
4.76 miThis is a six-mile loop along the banks of the Salt Creek in Oakbrook, IL. The flat trail features trees and wildflowers (great walk to do in autumn). Trail is also good for bike riders. There is a picnic area and the Graue Mill and Museum. Graue Mill is 150 years old and played a part in the Und...Read more -
Willow Springs, Illinois
Cemetery Hill
2 mi / 100 ft gainJust outside of Chicago the Palos Region of the Cook County Forest Preserve offers a few thousand acres of dirt single track and limestone paths. Here you will find rolling hills and bluff that will rev up your hill workouts. This single track loop is great for mountain biking and trail running...Read more -
Willow Springs, Illinois
Black Oak Trail
4.52.64 mi / 148 ft gainThe trails traverse a rolling glacial highland of oak woods and prairie. The hiking trails connect to miles of multi-use trails where you can hike, mountain bike, cross country ski and snowshoe. Lastly, there is an interpretive center with exhibits about local nature and history. The trailhead...Read more -
Elwood, Illinois
Buffalo Viewing Trail
5.03.65 mi / 72 ft gainThe trail features chances to see bison, and scenic wild flowers. The Buffalo Viewing Trail is in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and is open year-round. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. Old army bunkers are scattered along the trail. The trail winds through a prairi...Read more -
Northfield, Illinois
Bike the Skokie Lagoons North Loop
3.04.5 miStarting at Tower Road, the path follows the bridge east to Forest Way Drive. The path mostly follows the road, and the shoreline of the lagoons up to Dundee Road, where you turn back West. Once across the bridge, you then head south on the paved trail back towards Tower Road. The Route is marked...Read more -
Oglesby, Illinois
Red River Loop
2.57 mi / 266 ft gainThe Red River Loop in Matthiessen State Park River Area runs alongside the Vermillion River and is typically used by hikers, walkers, and those wishing to see unique birds. The Red River Trail is open for use year-round. The trail winds through beautiful canyons, streams, prairies, and forests in...Read more -
Wilmington, Illinois
Hike the Twin Oaks and Bunker Field Trail
4.2 mi / 85 ft gainThe trail is open for use year-round, and is great for snowshoeing in winter months. This trail allows dogs, but please keep your dog on a leash throughout the duration to avoid disturbing the wonderful bison. Be weary of ticks - bring bug spray for you and your dog.Read more -
Brookfield, Illinois
Salt Creek Greenway Trail
13.99 mi / 551 ft gainThis trail is almost 7 miles one-way (14 miles out-and-back) of paved path, makes for an ideal biking (especially those of us with road bikes), skating, and even running path. The trail runs out-and-back along the Salt Creek in Brookfield, IL. The trailhead is right near the Brookfield Zoo (for a...Read more -
Deerfield, Illinois
Hike the Prairie Wolf Slough Loop
3.01.01 mi / 9 ft gainPark in the lot off of half day road (see map) to access the trail. Accessible year round, great for all skill levels, and dog-friendly.Read more -
Golconda, Illinois
Ghost Dance Canyon
0.58 mi / 39 ft gainWhen you arrive at Dixon Springs State Park, drive through the park and stop and take in the main attraction of a waterfall that is partially man made. Then drive and park at the swimming pool, walk to the front of it where the building is, and turn to the right. Follow the trail, and be mindful ...Read more -
Lake Villa, Illinois
Hike Hastings Lake LCFP
5.02.37 mi / 88 ft gainPark in the lot off of Butler Lane (see map) to access the trail. This trail is open year round, is dog-friendly, and offers a variety of activities. In the winter, bring your snow gear!Read more -
Goreville, Illinois
Hike to Bork's Falls
0.5 mi / 227 ft gainLocated off Regent Lane/Cedar Grove Road near Goreville, Illinois, Bork's Falls is a beautiful waterfall with little visitor traffic. The bottom of the falls is accessible from either side of the ravine with a very short hike. This waterfall generally flows year round, unlike most other waterfall...Read more -
Junction, Illinois
Hike Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
1.7 mi / 360 ft gainRim Rock Trail follows the edge of the bluff top, hence its name, and features vistas of a slot canyon below, a stone fort used by prehistoric Native Americans, a cave used on the Underground Railroad, and diverse wildlife habitats. Located near very popular Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock is someti...Read more -
Ozark, Illinois
Explore Camp Ondessonk
10 miIn the heart of the Shawnee National Forest is an amazing camp that provides many adventures for those with all skill levels. When camp is out, anyone is allowed to visit Camp Ondessonk as a guest and explore. There are over 10 miles of trails through pristine forests, sandstone canyons, and sev...Read more -
Pope County, Illinois
Hike to Indian Kitchen
4.8 mi / 192 ft gainDesignated a national natural landmark in 1980, Lusk Creek Canyon is the name of a 906-acre canyon located within the Lusk Creek Wilderness Area of the Shawnee National Forest in Pope County, Illinois. The Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark features an outstanding sce...Read more