Top 10 Best Places for Hiking Near Chicago

There are so many incredible places to see in Chicago; sometimes all you need is a bit more nature. You’re in luck since there are amazing hiking locations close to Chicago. Hikers of all skill levels have several alternatives, from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to the beaches of Lake Michigan. We can accommodate both locals seeking a short weekend getaway and visitors hoping to take in the natural beauty of the city.

This article will show you the top 10 best places for hiking near Chicago.

LaBagh Woods

Just a short distance from the city, you can explore the serene haven of the southern entry to the North Branch Trail System. A hidden gem, this 5.7-mile circle will take you to a peaceful world of towering oaks, maples, and cottonwoods.

The meandering Chicago River provides a breathtaking backdrop as you go along the winding road, which passes through a variety of environments like marshes, savannas, and meadows. You can Look out for raptors such as hawks, deer, and owls. The breathtaking scenery and serene ambiance make the route well worth the effort, even though it might be a little challenging to follow.

Indiana Dunes State Park

Only a short trip from Chicago is the breathtaking Indiana Dunes State Park, where you can explore! In addition to three miles of stunning coastline along the southern side of Lake Michigan, this 2,182-acre park has unusual features including “tree graveyards,” which are areas of forest that have been buried and then re-exposed by wind erosion.

For a peek, check out Trail 10 and Big Blowout. The park is well-known across the Midwest as a birdwatcher’s haven. You can explore the many stunning and beautiful places, take on the 3 Dune Challenge for stunning vistas, and just lose yourself in the peaceful surroundings. You won’t want to miss this natural marvel, I promise!

Moraine Hills State Park

Chicago offers easy access to trekking destinations. There are amazing green places in the city just outside your door. In the northeastern suburbs, Moraine Hills State Park is tucked away and comparatively undiscovered. Over 2,200 acres, this breathtaking glacier environment includes lovely wetland and lake ecosystems.

In contrast to several urban hiking destinations, Moraine Hills State Park still needs to be developed. The Lake Defiance Trail takes visitors to Chicago during the pre-colonial era. There are also ten miles of hiking paths to explore if you want to see more than 200 different bird species. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the many fishing spots around the lake and on the Fox River.

Starved Rock Loop

Hiking this 5.1-mile circle in Illinois’s Starved Rock State Park is an unforgettable experience. The park, which is 98 miles southwest of Chicago, is ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway because of its distinctive terrain of canyons, waterfalls, and rock formations. With spring wildflowers, summer foliage, autumn foliage, and winter waterfalls covered in ice, the view is breathtaking all year round.

The trip starts with an ascent to Starved Rock, which provides sweeping views of the river, island, dam, forest, and undulating hills. After there, the route drops into sculpted gorges where it passes beautiful rock formations and sporadic waterfalls. The climb demands cautious footing due to its rough areas and elevation rise of 570 feet. Carry binoculars with you to identify local bald eagle families.

Deer Grove Forest Preserve

Deer Grove Forest Preserve is a 1-hour trip from Chicago and has 15.5 miles of multi-level trails located in Palatine, Illinois. It provides a distinctive experience for runners, cyclists, walkers, and horseback riders as the oldest forest preserve in Cook County. 1,800 acres of varied terrain, including ponds, marshes, savannas, woods, and grasslands, make up the park.

While the challenging 5.7-mile Yellow Loop Trail has inclines and takes around two hours to complete, the simple 3.9-mile Western Loop can be finished in about two hours. Make careful to look up trail alternatives on the map before you go. Consider going to Deer Grove East for your picnic; it has drinking fountains, restrooms, and shelters. due of its variety in topography.

Conclusion

Hiking enthusiasts can pick from various hiking activities in the Chicago area. There is something for every skill level and interest, from the peaceful LaBagh Woods to the magnificent Indiana Dunes State Park, and from the glacier-carved Moraine Hills State Park to the picturesque Starved Rock Loop. These top 10 hiking locations near Chicago will wow you with the area’s natural beauty whether you’re a resident or just traveling to the United States.