Ryerson Woods Hike, Lincolnshire, Illinois
The trails in Ryerson Woods wind through some of the most stunning forestland in the Chicago region. Along the shore of the Des Plaines River and its backwater, expect to see waterfowl, wildflowers, and old rustic cabins left... trails.com
Skokie Lagoons And River Hike, Northfield, Illinois
Surrounded by urban development, the islands and the scenic waterways of the Skokie Lagoons provide a wooded refuge just 15 miles north of the Loop. After skirting the southern edge of the lagoons, this route delivers you to ... trails.com
Chicago Botanic Gardens
The Chicago Botanic Garden?with its world-renowned plant collections and displays, the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School, and plant conservation efforts?is one of the country?s most visited public gardens and a preeminent cen... famplosion.com
Chicago, Il: Ryerson Woods
Start at the end of Mill Road near the farm and welcome center and walk west. As the trail approaches the Des Plaines River, you may spot a great blue heron or two, and-if you're hiking in spring or summer-trilliums ... trimbleoutdoors.com
North Branch Trail
The beautiful North Branch Trail is named for the North Branch of the Chicago River, along which it winds. At its northern end, the trail begins at the south end of the Chicago Botanic Garden and continues south to circle ... traillink.com
Robert Mcclory Bike Path, Chicago, Illinois
The Robert McClory Bike Path (formerly the North Shore Bike Path) is notorious for its conglomeration of names over the years. At any given time? and depending on whom you ask?it has been called the Green Bay Trail, the North... trails.com
Heller Nature Center
Welcome to Heller Nature Center, where oak-hickory forests, tall-grass prairie, oak savanna and natural wetlands are an oasis for native plants and animals. Heller Nature Center, a 97-acre preserve of the Park District of... famplosion.com
Illinois Beach State Park: Dead River Loop, Waukegan, Illinois
After a ramble along the shore of the Dead River, this trail brings you through some of the only sand dunes left in the state of Illinois. Halfway through the hike, take a break on a surprisingly quiet stretch of Lake Michiga... trails.com
Deer Grove Loop, Barrington, Illinois
The rolling landscape at Deer Grove is blanketed with thick groves of oak, hickory, and maple. Mixed in with the dense forest are ravines, marshes, ponds, and the occasional stream straddled by picturesque old limestone bridg... trails.com
Busse Woods Loop, Schaumburg, Illinois
This quick, pleasant, and easily accessible hike takes you through dense woods and near numerous small ponds at one of the largest forest preserves in Cook County. Although Busse Woods is busy at times, it?s surprisingly quie... trails.com
Chicago, Il: Deer Grove Forest Preserve
The Deer Grove Forest Preserve-an 1,800-acre reserve in Cook County just outside Chicago-is home to an extensive hardwood forest sprinkled with wetlands, ravines, the occasional stream, and over 13 miles of trail. Th... trimbleoutdoors.com
Chicago, Il: Lakewood Forest Preserve
At 2,578 acres, Lakewood Forest Preserve is the largest forest preserve in Lake County and boasts gently rolling oak forest dotted with patches of wetland. The park's marshes are also breeding grounds for several end... trimbleoutdoors.com
Chicago Lakeshore Path: North Hike, Chicago, Illinois
Harbors, beaches, and the lake itself serve as the backdrop for a dazzling skyline. Some sections of this path provide just a seawall with a walkway, while other parts run through wide grassy parks. There are numerous options... trails.com
Illinois Prairie Path
?Street parking is available near the trailhead and numerous spots along the trail.The IPP is a former right-of-way for the old Chicago Aurora & Elgin electric railroad, it was the first U.S. rail-to-trail conversion in t... waymarking.com
Lake Defiance Trail Loop
This is very nice, well maintained trail system of alternating asphalt pavement and crushed limestone, that is one of several hikes in the Moraine Hills State Park near McHenry, Illinois. The trail system can be used by d... localhikes.com
North Shore Channel And Green Bay Trails, Lincolnwood, Illinois
This route starts on Chicago?s northwest side and follows the North Shore Channel?s wooded banks through the communities of Lincolnwood, Skokie, and Evanston. In Skokie the route winds for 2.0 miles through an outdoor sculptu... trails.com
Des Plaines River Trail South, Lincolnshire, Illinois
Located off state highway 22 in Lincolnshire. Running parallel to the Des Plaines River for most of the route, this trail will give you an easy ride along its crushed gravel surface. You'll pass through woods, fields, and mar... trails.com