Lemont, Illinois

Top Spots in and near Lemont

  • Lemont, Illinois

    Kayak the Des Plaines River

    Not the easiest to get in or out of the river at this location, but it works, at least for a kayak. Look out for people using the Centennial trail, and those fishing nearby. Be careful and if you are able, wear good shoes or sandals (not flip flops) with some tread as it can get muddy. Nearby thi...
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  • Willow Springs, Illinois

    Saganashkee Slough

    5.0
    6.92 mi / 512 ft gain
    Saganashkee Slough is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Lemont, Illinois.
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  • Willow Springs, Illinois

    Cemetery Hill

    2 mi / 100 ft gain
    Just outside of Chicago the Palos Region of the Cook County Forest Preserve offers a few thousand acres of dirt single track and limestone paths. Here you will find rolling hills and bluff that will rev up your hill workouts. This single track loop is great for mountain biking and trail running...
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  • Willow Springs, Illinois

    Black Oak Trail

    4.5
    2.64 mi / 148 ft gain
    The trails traverse a rolling glacial highland of oak woods and prairie. The hiking trails connect to miles of multi-use trails where you can hike, mountain bike, cross country ski and snowshoe. Lastly, there is an interpretive center with exhibits about local nature and history. The trailhead...
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  • Palos Park, Illinois

    Cap Sauers and Swallow Cliff Loop

    3.0
    4.79 mi / 318 ft gain
    The Swallows Cliff Woods, an 800 acre preserve, is known for its 100 ft bluff that provides visitors with a steep stair workout. On top of the bluff, however, there are less strenuous trail options, leading through the hilly, forested terrain, past wetlands and streams.
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  • Joliet, Illinois

    Hike the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site Trails Loop

    4.0
    1.3 mi / 26 ft gain
    The Joliet Iron Works Historic Site Trail is typically used for hiking, walking, and birding. If you want to amp up your hike, hop on the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, an 11 mile trail connecting the iron works to the Romeoville Prairie Nature Preserve. 
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  • Joliet, Illinois

    Joliet Iron Works Historic Site Trail

    1.42 mi / 10 ft gain
    Joliet Iron Works Historic Site Trail is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Joliet, Illinois.
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  • Lisle, Illinois

    Hike the Morton Arboretum's Main Trail Loops

    5 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Morton Arboretum is located off of Route 53 in Lisle, IL. The arboretum spans both the east and west sides of the road. Head to the east side of the park to access the Main Trail Loops. Visitors have to pay a small fee to enter the arboretum ($14 April through November, $9 December through Ma...
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  • Oak Brook, Illinois

    Run the Fullersburg Woods Loop

    4.7
    6 mi
    This is a six-mile loop along the banks of the Salt Creek in Oakbrook, IL. The flat trail features trees and wildflowers (great walk to do in autumn). Trail is also good for bike riders. There is a picnic area and the Graue Mill and Museum. Graue Mill is 150 years old and played a part in the Und...
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  • Warrenville, Illinois

    Herrick Lake Trail

    4.0
    8.2 mi / 390 ft gain
    This is an easy trail for beginners, with a packed gravel clearly-marked trail shared  by walkers, runners, bicyclists, and even horses (the trail is next to Denada Equestrian Center).  Gently sloping trails lead through prairie land, next to small ponds filled with singing frogs, some wooded are...
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  • Brookfield, Illinois

    Salt Creek Greenway Trail

    13.99 mi / 551 ft gain
    This trail is almost 7 miles one-way (14 miles out-and-back) of paved path, makes for an ideal biking (especially those of us with road bikes), skating, and even running path. The trail runs out-and-back along the Salt Creek in Brookfield, IL. The trailhead is right near the Brookfield Zoo (for a...
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  • Elwood, Illinois

    Buffalo Viewing Trail

    5.0
    3.65 mi / 72 ft gain
    The trail features chances to see bison, and scenic wild flowers. The Buffalo Viewing Trail is in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and is open year-round. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept on leash. Old army bunkers are scattered along the trail. The trail winds through a prairi...
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  • Wilmington, Illinois

    Hike the Twin Oaks and Bunker Field Trail

    4.2 mi / 85 ft gain
    The trail is open for use year-round, and is great for snowshoeing in winter months. This trail allows dogs, but please keep your dog on a leash throughout the duration to avoid disturbing the wonderful bison.  Be weary of ticks - bring bug spray for you and your dog. 
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  • Chicago, Illinois

    Grant Park

    4.5
    Grant Park is located on the east side of Chicago. It is a great place to spend the day and explore. From the famous "Bean", which is actually named "the cloud", to Buckingham Fountain there is plenty to see in this park. It is also a great place to see the Chicago skyline, as well as have a picn...
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  • Des Plaines, Illinois

    Watch the Sunset at Axehead Lake

    In a large city, it's nice to be able to find pockets of nature oasis amidst the chaos. It's great to come here with a journal or sketchbook and pass the time while watching the sunset. Fishing is available at this lake and there is a forest preserve that has a couple small trails. 
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  • Chicago, Illinois

    Luire Garden

    0.18 mi / 10 ft gain
    Visiting Chicago I was on a mission to find a great outdoors spot to be in. This definitely fulfilled my goal of finding a beautiful garden to hangout in! There are plenty of different paths and areas to explore just within the city! Location Located in Millennium Park it will be easy to find,...
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Camping and Lodging in Lemont

Kankakee South KOA Holiday
Kankakee, Illinois

Kankakee South KOA Holiday

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday
Union, Illinois

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday

Guides, Insights and Stories from Lemont

Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

Erica Zazo