Northfield, Illinois
Top Spots in and near Northfield
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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 -
Willow Springs, Illinois
Saganashkee Slough
5.06.92 mi / 512 ft gainSaganashkee Slough is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Lemont, Illinois.Read more -
Palos Park, Illinois
Hike the Cap Sauers and Swallow Cliff Loop
3.04.74 mi / 259 ft gainThe Swallows Cliff Woods, an 800 acre preserve, is known for its 100 ft bluff that provides visitors with a steep stair workout. On top of the bluff, however, there are less strenuous trail options, leading through the hilly, forested terrain, past wetlands and streams.Read more -
Lemont, Illinois
Kayak the Des Plaines River
Not the easiest to get in or out of the river at this location, but it works, at least for a kayak. Look out for people using the Centennial trail, and those fishing nearby. Be careful and if you are able, wear good shoes or sandals (not flip flops) with some tread as it can get muddy. Nearby thi...Read more -
Ringwood, Illinois
Hike the Glacial Park Loop Trail
2.3 mi / 216 ft gainGlacial Park is located in McHenry County Conservation District, near Richmond, Illinois. The park features prairies, a flowing river, and over 40 endangered plant and animal species. The park is open for hikers, horseback riders, fishers, and those wishing to canoe. Glacial Park is part of the H...Read more -
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 -
Joliet, Illinois
Joliet Iron Works Historic Site Trail
1.42 mi / 10 ft gainJoliet Iron Works Historic Site Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Joliet, Illinois.Read more -
Gary, Indiana
Hike the Dune Succession Trail, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
4.51 mi / 150 ft gainThis hike provides a great opportunity to explore the variable landscape and terrain in Indiana Dunes National Park. From the parking lot head north on a paved walkway toward Lake Michigan's shoreline. Next, walk down the boardwalk to the beach. Once you reach the coast, you'll have amazing view...Read more -
Dune Acres, Indiana
Hike the Cowles Bog Trail, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
3.04.4 mi / 200 ft gainTo get to the trailhead parking lot: take Mineral Springs Road towards the community of Dune Acres. Just before you get to the guard shack for the community, turn onto the gravel road to the right - there will be signs indicating Cowles Bog Trail parking. Once parked, walk back towards the Dune A...Read more -
Chesterton, Indiana
Photograph the Chicago Skyline from the Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes State Park and Beach is a family friendly beach perfect for a day out in the sun. However, it has something to offer most beaches don't - a view of Chicago over the water! It's a great shot to try to capture on your camera, especially at sunset when colorful clouds fill the sky ove...Read more -
Chesterton, Indiana
Hike the 3 Dune Challenge
5.01.5 mi / 552 ft gainStart at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center (the first exit off the roundabout in the park after the toll), after receiving your park map, and follow the 3 dune challenge. This challenge, looping trails 8 and 4, involves climbing to the top of Mt. Jackson (176 feet), Mt. Holden (184 feet)...Read more -
Porter, Indiana
Indiana Dunes Trail 8 And 7 Loop
1.95 mi / 370 ft gainIndiana Dunes Trail 8 and 7 Loop is a 2 mile loop hike that takes you past scenic views located near Chesterton, Indiana.Read more -
Chesterton, Indiana
Stroll along the Beach at Beverly Shores
This is a great neighborhood to stop and walk the beach in for as long as you'd like. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline across Lake Michigan as you splash in the waves and climb the small dunes. There is a parking lot for Kemil Beach, which is a short walk down to the shoreline. Be sure to check...Read more