A Guide to the Best Hiking Trails in Illinois

Illinois is a beautiful state with a wide variety of landscapes and terrains that provide the perfect backdrop for a great hike. Whether you’re looking for an easy day hike or a multi-day adventure, there’s a hiking trail in Illinois that’s perfect for you. This guide will provide you with information about the best hiking trails in the state, so you can make the most of your time out in nature.

Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is located in the North Central part of the state and features a variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult. The park is also home to 13 canyons, plenty of waterfalls, and stunning sandstone formations. The most popular trails are the Great Kankakee Trail and the Starved Rock Trail, which both offer spectacular views of the canyons and the Illinois River.

The Great Kankakee Trail is a 4.7-mile loop that takes hikers through a variety of terrains, including sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and plenty of streams and creeks. The trail is relatively easy, but it does have some steep ascents and descents. The Starved Rock Trail is a 2-mile loop that takes hikers through the main attractions of the park, including the canyons and waterfalls.

No matter which trail you choose, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the beauty of Starved Rock State Park.

Moraine Hills State Park

Moraine Hills State Park is located in the North Central part of the state and is home to the beautiful Fox River. The park has a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult, and they all provide stunning views of the river and the surrounding area. The most popular trails are the 2-mile Fox River Trail and the 5-mile Lake Trail.

The Fox River Trail is a relatively easy hike that takes you along the river and through the park’s wetlands. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, beavers, and deer. The Lake Trail is a bit more challenging and takes you through a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, woodlands, and wetlands. The trail also offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area.

Whether you choose the Fox River Trail or the Lake Trail, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring all that Moraine Hills State Park has to offer.

Giant City State Park

Giant City State Park is located in the South Central part of the state and is home to an array of trails for all skill levels. The most popular trails are the 4-mile Giant City Nature Trail and the 2-mile Giant City Interpretive Trail. Both of these trails take hikers through the park’s unique sandstone formations, lush forests, and rolling hills.

The Giant City Nature Trail is a 4-mile loop that takes you through the park’s main attractions, including the sandstone formations, the forest, and the creeks and streams. The trail is relatively easy, but it does have some steep ascents and descents. The Giant City Interpretive Trail is a 2-mile loop that takes you through the park’s unique features, including the sandstone bluffs, the forest, and the creeks and streams.

No matter which trail you choose, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the beauty of Giant City State Park.

Matthiessen State Park

Matthiessen State Park is located in the North Central part of the state and is home to a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult. The most popular trails are the 4-mile Upper Dells Trail and the 2-mile Lower Dells Trail. Both of these trails take you through the park’s stunning sandstone formations, lush forests, and creeks and streams.

The Upper Dells Trail is a 4-mile loop that takes you through the park’s main attractions, including the sandstone formations, the forest, and the creeks and streams. The trail is relatively easy, but it does have some steep ascents and descents. The Lower Dells Trail is a 2-mile loop that takes you through the park’s unique features, including the sandstone bluffs, the forest, and the creeks and streams.

No matter which trail you choose, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the beauty of Matthiessen State Park.

Shabbona Lake State Park

Shabbona Lake State Park is located in the North Central part of the state and is home to a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult. The most popular trails are the 3-mile Lake Trail and the 2-mile Woods Trail. Both of these trails take you through the park’s stunning lake, woodlands, and creeks and streams.

The Lake Trail is a 3-mile loop that takes you along the lake and through the park’s wetlands. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, beavers, and deer. The Woods Trail is a bit more challenging and takes you through a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, woodlands, and wetlands. The trail also offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area.

Whether you choose the Lake Trail or the Woods Trail, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring all that Shabbona Lake State Park has to offer.

Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois Beach State Park is located in the North Central part of the state and is home to a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult. The most popular trails are the 2-mile Beach Trail and the 2-mile Nature Trail. Both of these trails take you through the park’s stunning beach, woodlands, and creeks and streams.

The Beach Trail is a 2-mile loop that takes you along the beach and through the park’s wetlands. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, beavers, and deer. The Nature Trail is a bit more challenging and takes you through a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, woodlands, and wetlands. The trail also offers stunning views of the beach and the surrounding area.

Whether you choose the Beach Trail or the Nature Trail, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring all that Illinois Beach State Park has to offer.

Kishwaukee Gorge Nature Preserve

Kishwaukee Gorge Nature Preserve is located in the North Central part of the state and is home to a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult. The most popular trails are the 2-mile Creek Trail and the 2-mile Gorge Trail. Both of these trails take you through the preserve’s stunning creek, woodlands, and creeks and streams.

The Creek Trail is a 2-mile loop that takes you along the creek and through the preserve’s wetlands. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, beavers, and deer. The Gorge Trail is a bit more challenging and takes you through a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, woodlands, and wetlands. The trail also offers stunning views of the gorge and the surrounding area.

Whether you choose the Creek Trail or the Gorge Trail, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring all that Kishwaukee Gorge Nature Preserve has to offer.

Cache River State Natural Area

Cache River State Natural Area is located in the South Central part of the state and is home to a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult. The most popular trails are the 6-mile Cache River Trail and the 2-mile Wetlands Trail. Both of these trails take you through the area’s stunning river, woodlands, and creeks and streams.

The Cache River Trail is a 6-mile loop that takes you along the river and through the area’s wetlands. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, beavers, and deer. The Wetlands Trail is a bit more challenging and takes you through a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, woodlands, and wetlands. The trail also offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding area.

Whether you choose the Cache River Trail or the Wetlands Trail, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring all that Cache River State Natural Area has to offer.

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Mississippi Palisades State Park is located in the North Central part of the state and is home to a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult. The most popular trails are the 4-mile River Trail and the 2-mile Bluff Trail. Both of these trails take you through the park’s stunning river, woodlands, and creeks and streams.

The River Trail is a 4-mile loop that takes you along the river and through the park’s wetlands. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, beavers, and deer. The Bluff Trail is a bit more challenging and takes you through a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, woodlands, and wetlands. The trail also offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding area.

Whether you choose the River Trail or the Bluff Trail, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring all that Mississippi Palisades State Park has to offer.

Pere Marquette State Park

Pere Marquette State Park is located in the South Central part of the state and is home to a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult. The most popular trails are the 3-mile Lake Trail and the 2-mile Woods Trail. Both of these trails take you through the park’s stunning lake, woodlands, and creeks and streams.

The Lake Trail is a 3-mile loop that takes you along the lake and through the park’s wetlands. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, beavers, and deer. The Woods Trail is a bit more challenging and takes you through a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, woodlands, and wetlands. The trail also offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area.

Whether you choose the Lake Trail or the Woods Trail, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring all that Pere Marquette State Park has to offer.

Kickapoo State Park

Kickapoo State Park is located in the East Central part of the state and is home to a variety of trails that range from easy to difficult. The most popular trails are the 3-mile Lake Trail and the 2-mile Woods Trail. Both of these trails take you through the park’s stunning lake, woodlands, and creeks and streams.

The Lake Trail is a 3-mile loop that takes you along the lake and through the park’s wetlands. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, beavers, and deer. The Woods Trail is a bit more challenging and takes you through a variety of terrains, including rolling hills, woodlands, and wetlands. The trail also offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area.

Whether you choose the Lake Trail or the Woods Trail, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring all that Kickapoo State Park has to offer.

Conclusion

Illinois is home to a variety of beautiful hiking trails that are perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for an easy day hike or a multi-day adventure, there’s a hiking trail in Illinois that’s perfect for you. From Starved Rock State Park to Kickapoo State Park, there’s something for everyone in the Land of Lincoln. So grab your hiking boots and hit the trails – you won’t be disappointed!