Hike the Cap Sauers and Swallow Cliff Loop

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 starts just west of the Farm Pond Trail and interpretive center and loops for 1.67 miles through a wo...

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. You can access the trail by parking in the Maple Lake East parking lot and finding the trailhead ...

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 this location there is a forest preserve (on the other side of the river). I would highly recommend ven...

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 Underground Railroad.  

This trail is 5.8 miles of paved path, which is ideal for biking (especially those of us with road bikes), skating, and even running. The trail runs point-to-point and runs along the Salt Creek in Brookfield, IL. The trailhead is right near the Brookfield Zoo (for anyone with kids!). 

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 March). Additionally, Wednesdays in the warm months are also $9. After paying admission, head to the p...