Chicago, often hailed for its bustling cityscape and vibrant cultural scene, also hides a secret: an array of stunning hiking spots that offer a refreshing escape from urban life. We will unveil the top 10 hiking near Chicago, leaving you in awe of nature’s beauty. Whether you’re a local seeking a weekend adventure or a traveller yearning to explore the city’s natural wonders, these hiking destinations will enchant you.
10 Breathtaking Hiking Near Chicago
1. The 606 Trail: A Scenic Urban Oasis
Add.：1805 N Ridgeway Ave runs east-west to 3700 W. Bloomingdale, Chicago, IL 60647
Open: Daily from 6 am to 7 pm
The 606 Trail, an elevated path stretching 2.7 miles, offers a unique blend of urban and natural beauty. Discover the captivating views of Chicago’s skyline as you stroll along this transformed railway trail. Explore the art installations and lush greenery that make this trail a true urban oasis.Great trail to walk, run, or bike. No cross traffic. It was not too busy on a weekday.
2. Indiana Dunes State Park: A Beach Lover's Paradise
Add.:1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304-1142
open: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Indiana Dunes State Park consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic and unique Hoosier landscape. It lies at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County, and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. Interesting features include “tree graveyards” (places where forests have been buried by sand and then, more recently, re-exposed by wind erosion). “Tree graveyards” can be seen in Big Blowout, near Trail 10. The Indiana Dunes area also is renowned throughout the Midwest for its birding.
Just a short drive from Chicago, Indiana Dunes State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of sandy beaches, towering dunes, and diverse ecosystems. Embark on the 3 Dune Challenge, conquering the highest peaks for breathtaking panoramic vistas.
3. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve: A Serene Retreat
Add.: Northgate Road, Darien, IL 60439
Open: One hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset.
Nestled in DuPage County, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve offers over 11 miles of picturesque trails. Take a leisurely hike and savour the beauty of the waterfall, or challenge yourself with a brisk walk amidst the serene woodlands. This preserve is a true gem for nature lovers.
This is the primary outdoor activity place in the area. It’s not in any particular town – unincorporated DuPage County between Darien and Lemont. Roughly 4 square miles of forest preserve. The main attraction is a 9.5-mile crushed limestone path great for walking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing in the winter. It gets pretty crowded on summer weekends. High school track teams training that add to the scenery. And sometimes you see deer, snakes, etc. Wild berries sometimes.
4. North Branch Trail System: Tranquility Along the River
Add.: 6633 Harts Rd., Niles, IL 60714
Open: Daily from sunrise to sunset
Escape the city’s hustle and bustle along the North Branch Trail System, which offers paved and unpaved trails along approximately 22 miles of the North Branch of the Chicago River, making it a premier biking route in the northern suburbs.
The system connects Chicago to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe and includes trail loops through ecological restoration sites with diverse native wildlife. This scenic trail meanders alongside the Chicago River, offering a peaceful respite. Lose yourself in the tranquillity of forested paths and the soothing sound of flowing water. When you reach Tower Road, you’ll notice that the trail splits. It loops around the Skokie Lagoons, so you can closely see this impressive conservation effort. Additionally, you’ll find an equestrian facility at Golf and Harms roads.
5. Deer Grove Forest Preserve: A Nature Lover's Delight
Add.: N Quentin Rd, north of W Dundee Rd Cook County, IL 60074
Open: Sunrise to Sunset
Located in the northwest suburbs, approximately 15.5 miles, Deer Grove Forest Preserve is a hidden treasure with natural wonders. The county’s first forest preserve features nearly 2,000 acres of diverse habitats, such as rolling upland forest, wooded ravines, wetlands, and prairie. The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission recognizes two areas within Deer Grove as some of the highest-quality natural areas in the state. Explore the diverse hiking trails that wind through lush meadows and enchanting woodlands. Keep an eye out for beautiful wildflowers and fascinating wildlife along the way.
6. Swallow Cliff Woods: Stairs and Scenic Overlooks
Add.: Calumet Sag Rd/Rte 83, west of La Grange Rd/96th Ave Cook County, IL 60464
Open: Sunrise to Sunset
Swallow Cliff Woods is part of the Palos Trail System, consisting of 42.1 miles of trails. For a unique hiking experience, head to Swallow Cliff Woods. Best known for its 100-foot-high bluff and demanding stair workout, Swallow Cliff Woods rewards visitors who explore beyond the stairs. Take a short walk (or long hike) on the unpaved trails of the Sag Valley Trail System and experience woodlands, marshes and sedge meadows filled with bird songs—especially during spring and fall migrations.
Challenge yourself by climbing the famous stairs leading to a breathtaking overlook. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This is an excellent workout with a wooded hiking trail attached to break things up a bit. Especially lovely in the summer.
7. Morton Arboretum: Nature's Wonderland
Add.: 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532
Open：7 a.m. to sunset
Only 25 miles west of Chicago, there’s something for everyone in all four seasons at The Morton Arboretum. Whether you seek a quiet hike in the woods or an active family day out, The Morton Arboretum offers various fun activities, events, tours, and classes for all ages and interests. Here, you’ll find an oasis of 16 miles of hiking trails and 9 miles of paved roads, perfect for hiking, running, biking or exploring. The Morton Arboretum inspires guests to appreciate, learn about, and protect trees.
While renowned for its stunning gardens, the Morton Arboretum offers an extensive hiking trail network. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you wander through the peaceful landscapes shaded by majestic trees. The arboretum’s tranquil atmosphere is perfect for a rejuvenating hike.
8. Palos Trail System: A Hiker's Paradise
Add.: 9500 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL
Open: Sunrise to Sunset
Palos is the granddaddy of trail systems in the Chicago area. The area has hills, rolling wide track, tight, twisty singletrack, climbs, fast descents and plenty more to satisfy you for hours. There are singletrack trails for novices as well as advanced riders. The trail network has many intersections to let you change your route from one ride to the next, adding more challenging trails or bypassing them as you see fit. But that also makes it possible to get lost if you don’t have the trail map with you.
With over 50 miles of interconnected trails, the Palos Trail System is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. From the challenging Swallow Cliff Trail to the scenic Bullfrog Lake Trail, these trails cater to all levels of hikers. Keep your eyes open for the trail markers. There are illegal trails that are closed to cyclists. They are marked with an orange marker at one or both ends of the trail. All trails at Palos can be travelled in either direction and are open to hikers, runners, and horses, so remember to follow proper trail etiquette, keep your head up for oncoming trail users and wear appropriate safety equipment.
9. Starved Rock State Park: Nature's Masterpiece
Add.: 2668 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61373
Open: 7 am to Sunset
Nestled along the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park is a true marvel of nature. Known for its magnificent rock formations of St. Peter sandstone, this scenic park offers many hiking and horseback riding trails, fishing, and boating along the banks of the Illinois River. Discover 13 miles of well-maintained trails that wind through stunning canyons, past majestic waterfalls, and offer breathtaking views. This park is a must-visit for those seeking a memorable hiking experience near Chicago.
Spring and Summer are the perfect seasons to go hiking. The canyons and waterfalls are more beautiful in the seasons. Starved Rock Lodge has a short film showing trails, canyons, and waterfalls. Staying at the beautiful Starved Rock Lodge or enjoying a meal at their wonderful restaurant is highly recommended.
10. Chicago Lakefront Trail: The Urban Escape
Add.: 540 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611-3414
Open: 24 hours
While not traditionally considered a hiking trail, the Chicago Lakefront Trail offers a unique experience. Stretching for 18 miles along the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline, this trail provides stunning views of the city skyline and the calming waters. Enjoy a long walk or jog while immersing yourself in the beauty of the lake.
It was great for a leisurely walk during sunset, admiring the views over Lake Michigan. It was pretty quiet and serene; the water was still, and the geese were floating. An excellent activity to end the day with. This is a free place you can visit in Chicago. You can stop by the Buckingham Fountain or go to Navy Pier.
Hiking Near Chicago You Must Try
Chicago‘s hiking spots offer a diverse range of experiences, from urban trails to hidden natural gems. Whether you seek an urban oasis or a serene retreat, these 10 hiking near Chicago will leave you spellbound. Unveil Chicago’s hidden wonders, reconnect with nature and create unforgettable memories as you embark on these breathtaking trails. Embrace the opportunity to explore Chicago’s natural beauty and witness why these hiking spots are ranked among the best.
You can shake out your gear, feel out the weight of your pack, break in your boots, and figure out how much food and water you consume as an individual
A person of average fitness can cover 8 to 12 miles a day with a beginner to intermediate level of hiking experience. However, experienced hikers with stellar fitness can cover 12 to 16 miles a day!
A good general recommendation is about one half-liter of water per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures. You may need to increase how much you drink as the temperature and intensity of the activity rise.
