8 Best Hiking Places Near Chicago

Many beautiful hiking trails surround the city of Chicago and thankfully, most of them are
located only a short drive (around one or two hours) from the city. These hiking places near Chicago are great options for outdoor enthusiasts looking for more thrilling experiences. You can explore these trails by yourself or if you are a beginner, you can even hire a hiking guide.

Popular Hiking Spots near Chicago

1) Des Plaines River Trail
2) Ned Brown Forest Preserve
3) Starved Rock State Park
4) North Branch Trail
5) Rock Cut State Park
6) Indiana Dunes State Park
7) Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
8) Joliet Iron Works Historic Site

1) Des Plaines River Trail

Opting to go to the Des Plaines River Trail is one of the most amazing things to do in Chicago. The plan for this started in 1980 but was finally completed in 2015. The
31.5-mile dirt and gravel path trails alongside the Des Plaines River through Lake County. The starting point of this trek is the Sunset Bridge Meadow Trailhead in River Grove, Illinois. You will cross forest preserves along the way, and the views here are a visual treat.

2) Ned Brown Forest Preserve

Ned Brown Forest Preserve is famously called Busse Woods by the residents of Elk Grove
Village and Schaumburg. The eight-mile trail takes you into the woods, offering gorgeous views of Busse Lake, which is a place for licensed fishing. You might also spot a herd of elk toward the east end of the Ned Brown Forest Preserve.

3) Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is located on the southern bank of the Illinois River in LaSalle County. Along the 13 miles of hiking trails that pass through 18 canyons, one can enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls and stunning rock formations. You can hike this trail on your own or opt for guided hikes available throughout the year.

4) North Branch Trail

North Branch Trail is one of the best hiking places near Chicago. A popular place for bikers
and hikers, it takes you through the forests of Glencoe, Morton Grove, Nile, Skokie, and
Winnetka. This 16-mile hike leads you to the Skokie Lagoons.

5) Rock Cut State Park

Rock Cut State Park is situated near Rockford and is best known for lakes, where hikers are allowed to swim, fish and boat. This 40-mile hiking trail is popular with bikers, hikers, and horseback riders. You can get a chance to see nearly 100 species of wildflowers during the hike. You may also spot animals like foxes, deer, muskrats, and beavers.

6) Indiana Dunes State Park

One of the most popular hiking places near Chicago, the Indiana Dunes State Park is known to offer a spectacular view of Lake Michigan. The park’s hiking trails take you past sand dunes, woodlands, and other beautiful landscapes. To reach his park, you can take a train ride from downtown Chicago or drive.

Also Read: National Parks in the USA

7) Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is situated in southern DuPage County, about an hour’s drive from Chicago. Its 11 miles of mapped trails are frequented by cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a year-round destination. During summer, one can enjoy hiking, biking, and birdwatching, and during the winter season, this place attracts visitors as a cross-country skiing destination.

8) Joliet Iron Works Historic Site

At the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, you can explore the 1.5-mile trail that winds through the ruins of the Joliet Iron and Steel Works, once known to be the second-largest steel mill in the US. It also provides you access to another popular hiking spot which is the 12.5-mile I& M Canal Trail.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a great experience at these hiking places near Chicago. Are you
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