The Top 11 Must-Visit Hiking Trails in Illinois

Although many people think of Chicago when they think of Illinois, it’s only a tiny portion of the state. Illinois is massive and full of farmlands, prairies, rivers, canyons, dramatic rock formations, and scenic overlooks. Some of the best hikes in the Midwest are in the Prairie State. Read on for 11 must-visit hiking trails in Illinois.

1. Waterfall Glen — Darien

It may not be far from the bustling city of Chicago, but when you hike the trails at Waterfall Glen, you will feel like you are far away from everything. This popular forest preserve in Darien offers 11 miles of limestone or turf-covered trails, including a 9.3-mile trail loop. Additionally, highlights of the preserve include the Sawmill Creek bluff overlook and the Rocky Glen waterfall.

2. Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail —
Oglesby

Starved Rock State Park is located about 90 miles southwest of Chicago, making it an ideal spot for a day trip from the city. If one doesn’t know the park is there, it can be a bit of a surprise to see the striking canyons and bluffs amid the farmlands and rural midwest landscape. Starved Rock gets its name from the tragic story of a group of Peoria Native Americans that came under attack from a war party of the Potawatomi. The Peoria natives were stranded on the rock, and while hiding there, all died of starvation without food and water. The Sandstone Point Overlook Trail is a 4.4-mile loop. It offers views of the Illinois River valley below and opportunities to spot bald eagles soaring above.

3. Lost Bridge Trail — Springfield

The Lost Bridge Trail follows the old Baltimore and Ohio Railroad line from Springfield to Rochester. It’s an easy, paved trail lined with dense forests and sprawling prairies. The 10-mile out-and-back trail crosses two historic railroad bridges and goes under a tunnel. Ideal for walking, running, biking, and also pet-friendly, the trail is maintained year-round and plowed in the winter to keep it clear.

4. Garden of the Gods Observation Trail — Herod

This may be a short one, but the views make it a must-visit hike. The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is considered an easy trail. However, due to the steep and uneven surfaces, strollers and wheelchairs are not accessible. This quarter-mile loop trail offers takes hikers past unique sandstone rock formations to the stunning overlook above the Shawnee National Forest. Additionally, there are 16.9 miles of trails within the recreation area.

5. Giant City Nature Trail — Makanda

There are many trails to choose from in Giant City State Park, but the one-mile Giant City Nature Trail can’t be missed. The trail takes hikers through massive bluffs known as the “Streets of Giant City.” Additionally, you can even walk underneath an enormous balanced rock from the glacial melting period that appears to have become stuck in its current location.

6. Morton Arboretum Heritage Trail — Lisle

The 1.3-mile Heritage Trail in the Morton Arboretum takes hikers past a giant boulder named Big Rock. Big Rock is a 14-ton piece of granite that was left behind by the glaciers as the ice melted 15,000 thousand years ago. The trail is a mix of forest and prairie lands and begins at the Big Rock Visitor Station on the east side of the park. The arboretum also offers 16 miles of well-tended hiking trails on pedestrian-only paths.

7. Dry Run Trail to Illinois River Bluff Trail — Peoria

The first hard hike on our list of must-visit trails is the Dry Run Trail to Illinois River Bluff Trail near Peoria. This shady 16.7-mile out-and-back trail is a popular hiking route that combines two trails. It’s a challenging and scenic hike and also one of the few spots in the state ideal for elevation training, thanks to the 3,146-foot elevation gain.

8. Chicago Lakefront Trail — Chicago

This entry on our list takes us away from secluded trails and into Chicago on the popular Chicago Lakefront Trail. This 19-mile paved trail offers views of the sparkling Lake Michigan on one side and towering skyscrapers on the other. Because it’s paved all the way, it’s well-suited for bikes, strollers, and pets.

9. Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Hike — Goreville

The Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Hike in Ferne Clyffe State Park is .75 miles if you head from the Deer Ridge Campground to the waterfall. However, it becomes a 1.3-mile loop when you combine it with the Big Rocky Hollow Trail. The park is located within the verdant Shawnee National Forest. Various wildlife can be found along the way, including wild turkeys, quail, mourning doves, and white-tail deer.

10. Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail — Utica

This two-mile loop trail in Matthiessen State Park offers stunning views of waterfalls, dells, and canyons. Considered a moderate route, the trail is well-marked. Hikers should be careful of their footing along the steep cliffs and deep canyons.

11. Buffalo Viewing Trail — Elwood

You won’t find many hiking trails in the country where you may spot a buffalo. However, in the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie outside of Elwood, IL, is the Buffalo Viewing Trail. A 3.6 loop hike, the trail follows the prairie terrain that once covered much of Illinois. Plus, you may spot American bison roaming in the distance.

Summary of the Top 11 Must-Visit Hiking Trails in Illinois

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Joe Hendrickson/iStock via Getty Images