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The Best Hiking In Illinois

Don't let the city walls keep you locked away from the beautiful hiking that awaits in Illinois

Jun 08, 2016

When you think of good hiking trails, Illinois definitely should not be up there on your list of places to stop first. However if you're working in Chicago, or have been stuck living here all your life you learn to make do with what you've got.

These are the 6 trails to feed your hiking needs if you're in Illinois for the summer.

1. Starved Rock State Park

If you have yet to check out Starved Rock, then you really should get out there before the summer crowds take over. This park, located in Utica, is really a world apart from anything else in Illinois- with waterfalls and towering trees you might even forget you're in Illinois.

2. Shawnee National Forest

Totaling about 286,400 acres the Shawnee National Forest is located in the southern tip of Illinois. This is a little out of the way from Chicago but the views are worth it. They have pen hiking, walking tours and special events that happen all summer long. If you have a long weekend to spare this is a great 2-day trip location.

3. Cave-in-Rock State Park

Cave-in-Rock State Park located in Cave-in-Rock, Hardin County, IL was known and used for thousands of years by the Native Americans. The state park contains the historic cave in a rock that is a marker of the Ohio River. Also located near the southern tip of Illinois, this trip will probably take more than one day.

4. Pere Marquette State Park

Located close to the Mississippi River, Pere Marquette State Park has about 12 miles of marked trails, open to horseback riding, and 2,000 acres for hunting in the warmer months. This state park may not have hundreds of miles of trails to explore, but a 12 mile hike can take up a good amount of time.

5. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a little closer to the city. If you're into water scenes then this is the stop for you. It is known for its waterfall (obviously), but it's actually a dam, which is in a ravine.The main trail is 9.5 miles long, but hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and cross-country skiers in the winter can enjoy some of Waterfall Glen’s scenic areas via four mapped trails.

6. Chain O'Lakes State Park

If you're looking to go a little closer to Wisconsin, Chain O'Lakes State Park is the perfect place to hike and camp out for the weekend. With nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline, Chain O'Lakes State Park is the heart of a water wonderland.

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The Best Hiking In Illinois

Don't let the city walls keep you locked away from the beautiful hiking that awaits in Illinois

1. Starved Rock State Park

2. Shawnee National Forest

3. Cave-in-Rock State Park

4. Pere Marquette State Park

5. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

6. Chain O'Lakes State Park

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