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![]() Chicago is home to some amazing trails, from the Burnham Greenway Trail, to the Indiana Dunes State Park and Palos Trail System, with plenty of options for every skill level. Hiking is a great way to get out of the city and explore nature’s wonders. If you’re in the Chicago area and looking for a great way to get active and enjoy the outdoors, give one of these trails a try! The Best Hiking Trails Near Chicago No matter where you choose to hike, it’s sure to be a great day spent outside. If you’re up for a challenge, the Palos Trail System has over 40 miles of trails and more than 3,000 feet of elevation change. With 15 miles of trails and dunes reaching up to 170 feet high, you’ll get an unforgettable experience. This relatively flat, paved path passes through parks and provides stunning views of Lake Michigan.įor something more rugged and adventurous, head over to the Indiana Dunes State Park. The Burnham Greenway Trail is a great option for those looking for an easy stroll. With that in mind, here are some of the best hiking trails near Chicago. Not to mention, hiking trails often lead to some of the most beautiful sites nature has to offer. Some of the benefits you can expect to get by taking a hike include better sleep, increased energy, improved mood, and better overall health. It’s a great way to clear your head, get some exercise, and explore the beauty of nature. on April 17): This article previously referenced “Starved Rock” as a national park, however it is a state park.Hiking is an excellent way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. The trails loop around the park and offer many options for not only hiking but also biking, horseback riding, fishing and even cross-country skiing.Įditor’s note (4:33 p.m. ![]() The river offers lots of spots to rest and throw stones into the clear water. Kankakee River : Hiking trails near the Kankakee River are the furthest away from Chicago on the list, but carries its own flair making the drive worthwhile. There are 36.7 miles of trails that are used for a variety of activities such as hiking, walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Its many trees are become vivid green in the spring and mellow orange, brown and yellow shades in the autumn. The trail offers both paved and unpaved trails that wind near city streets and into a quiet forest where deer roam. North Branch Trail System : Built as a bicycle trail, North Branch Trail is a bridge between city and forest life. The waterfall that the preserve is named for is actually a dam that is blended into its environment. The main limestone trail is 9.5 miles long made for hikers and bicyclists. The preserve also offers hundreds of plant and animal species. ![]() Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve : Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve offers flat and peaceful traditional forest hiking on their trails. Nowadays, the Indiana Dunes offer a variety of terrain, length and difficulty options with majestic views of Lake Michigan and over 50 miles of trails. These unique dunes were formed thousands of years ago by moraines during the Wisconsin Glacial Period. Indiana Dunes : Located besides Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park is not a normal shoreline hike - its many sand dunes integrate a landscape that is both smooth and unique. Still, Starved Rock offers its main trails all the way down each hip of the Illinois River as long as masks are worn and proper social distancing is mandated, making its main geographical attractions still viewable. There is also no more swimming or wading in bodies of water in the park. However, not all trails are available due to current COVID-19 policies. It gloats 13 miles of trails and 18 canyons that work alongside streams and waterfalls making for a calm and natural setting. Starved Rock State Park : Named after a Native American legend, Starved Rock offers a quick change of scenery just an hour and half from downtown Chicago. Here are five popular places to hike near Chicago: ![]() “It is a great way to relax the mind and take a break from the more fast-paced elements of modern life, as well as that it is a great way to appreciate nature,” he said. Senior Ramsey Radwan recently hiked in multiple national parks across different American states. Exhausted by the concrete streets and buildings, hiking spots near Chicago provide a good option to get a breath of fresh air while exploring greenery and wildlife. With the beginning of spring and weather warming up, outside activities are beginning to be more appealing. ![]()
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