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    Find local adventures, unique places to stay, and guided adventure tours in Illinois.

    Top Spots in and near Illinois

    • Herod, Illinois

      Hike the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

      4.9
      1 mi
      In the southernmost part of Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a wonderful natural area that transports you far from the flat agricultural landscape typical of so much of the Midwest. Located in the central area of the forest, Garden of the Gods is a 3,318-acre wilderness area characterized by ...
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    • Oglesby, Illinois

      Hike the Matthiessen State Park Loop

      4.8
      5.8 mi
      With 5 miles of trails, which alternate between cliffs, canyons, and bluffs, Matthiessen State Park has plenty to offer. This particular trail also includes three waterfalls, along the way. From the Dells Area parking lot, head down the steps next to the log fort replica. At the 4-way junction tu...
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    • Oglesby, Illinois

      Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

      5.0
      3.9 mi
      This canyon is not as popular as some of the others in this park but it is my favorite by far. You can either hike the full 3.9 miles from the visitor center or you can jump in your car and head over to one of the parking lots on the east side for a shorter hike. Either way you will not be disap...
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    • Oglesby, Illinois

      Hike the Lower Dells at Matthiessen State Park

      4.8
      3.5 mi / 250 ft gain
      Starting off right from the parking lot at Matthiessen State Park, follow the trail markers through the forest, across beautiful bridges, and find your way to one of the many stunning waterfalls. Depending on when you go, the water level will vary greatly. During the summer months the water level...
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    • Oglesby, Illinois

      Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

      4.3
      4.4 mi / 370 ft gain
      This out-and-back trail is one of the parks longest trails. Starting from the visitors center it is 2.2 mile hike one way and 4.4 miles if you go out and back. The trail is very much worth the long trek. You enjoy the views and fresh air of the Illinois river. You will also walk past the Illinois...
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    • Oglesby, Illinois

      Hike the Upper Dells of Matthiessen State Park

      4.3
      2.2 mi / 627 ft gain
      From the start of the parking lot you will cross a picnic area to your left where you can have a bite to eat before or after your hike. The trailhead starts off with a couple flights of stair leading you down to the bridge. After taking in the spectacular views at the top of the waterfall you wil...
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    • Chicago, Illinois

      Run Chicago’s Lakefront Trail

      5.0
      6.7 mi
      Chicago – the third largest city in the US and home to the deep dish pizza – doesn’t exactly scream “outdoorsy.” In reality, there is much more to Chicago than skyscrapers; there are dozens of parks, outdoor music venues, and the city is right on Lake Michigan, making it very easy on the eyes. Be...
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    • Oglesby, Illinois

      Hike to Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock SP

      4.5
      2 mi
      If you happen to find yourself in the Chicagoland area be sure to check out the Wildcat Canyon hike at Starved Rock State Park.  This is a 2 mile out and back hike from the visitor's center that leads to the largest waterfall in the park.  There are two viewpoints from the top of the canyon or yo...
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    • Oglesby, Illinois

      Hike Starved Rock's French Canyon

      4.5
      0.4 mi
      Starting from the visitors center or the parks restaurant, depending on where you parked. If you were forced to park by the restaurant because of a busy day, you will start the trail head with a map of the park. You will follow the tallest stairs of the park down to the visitors center where the ...
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    • Oglesby, Illinois

      Hike to St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

      5.0
      3 mi
      Starved Rock has some very interesting rock formations you can explore.  The valley was formed by a series of floods as glacial melt waters broke through moraines, sending torrents of flood water surging across the land that eventually eroded the sandstone and sedimentary rock.  If you arrive in ...
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    • Palos Park, Illinois

      Hike the Cap Sauers and Swallow Cliff Loop

      3.0
      4.74 mi / 259 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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    • Pomona, Illinois

      Hike the Little Grand Canyon Trail

      5.0
      3.6 mi / 365 ft gain
      The trail starts along Hickory Ridge, the southern rim of the canyon. Continue on the trail as it begins to descend into the canyon, following the white diamond markers – you can make a quick stop off along a side path, which leads to some scenic river views. When you reach a stone staircase in t...
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    • Stonefort, Illinois

      Hike to Burden Falls

      4.0
      0.8 mi
      Located in the Shawnee National Forest near Stonefort, Burden Falls, though perhaps small by other standards, is among the highest in Illinois. There are many side trails to explore, making this a great spot for birders and photographers. The hike is a 0.8 mile moderately rated loop trail. Thoug...
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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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    • Ringwood, Illinois

      Hike the Glacial Park Loop Trail

      2.3 mi / 216 ft gain
      Glacial Park is located in McHenry County Conservation District, near Richmond, Illinois. The park features prairies, a flowing river, and over 40 endangered plant and animal species. The park is open for hikers, horseback riders, fishers, and those wishing to canoe. Glacial Park is part of the H...
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    • Oregon, Illinois

      Hike Castle Rock North Trails

      4.0
      3.5 mi / 442 ft gain
      The Castle Rock North Trail is a 3.5 mile loop that is great for all skill levels, such as families, and dogs are allowed on leash! The hike features a river, and has scenic views of the nearby landscapes from the top of a lookout point. 
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    Camping and Lodging in Illinois

    Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)
    Carlyle, Illinois

    Dam East Rec. Area (Day Use)

    Thomson Causeway
    Thomson, Illinois

    Thomson Causeway

    Boulder Rec. Area
    Carlyle, Illinois

    Boulder Rec. Area

    Boulder Day Use
    Carlyle, Illinois

    Boulder Day Use

    Dam West Day Use
    Carlyle, Illinois

    Dam West Day Use

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Illinois

    Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

    Chicago: Where urban nature runs wild

    Erica Zazo