Edelstein, Illinois

Riding this loop is a popular place for cyclists during beautiful sunny days in summer and spring. This loop is about 4 miles long and has plenty of space on the trail to share with passing cars. The loop is hardly ever busy and is a fairly easy ride. You can cycle the loop at your own pace and e...

Park in Parking lot 2 on E. Co. Rd. 2300 N - from there you'll find the trail head for the Yellow/Red Trails. The Yellow Trail is the large 14.8 mile loop you'll follow for the whole trip. Start your hike by heading north on the trail; at this point the Yellow Trail is combined with the Red Trail...

Allison campground at Lake Storey is a beautiful and popular area for campers of all skill levels. It provides easy access to the lake and to launch your boats if you wish to go fishing. There are plenty of places to set up camp. The campground is RV accessible with a significant amount of space ...

The Red River Loop in Matthiessen State Park River Area runs alongside the Vermillion River and is typically used by hikers, walkers, and those wishing to see unique birds. The Red River Trail is open for use year-round. The trail winds through beautiful canyons, streams, prairies, and forests in...

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...

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...

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 t...

Just north of Galesburg on route 150 turn right onto Lake Storey road, follow it down until you turn right on W Lake Storey Road. The trailhead starts right on the corner of South Lake Storey & West Lake Storey Road. There you will be able to pull off to the side of the road to park your vehi...

The hike from the visitor center or lodge is 1.35 miles. For a shorter hike you can park just south of the park entrance on Route 178 and hike 10 minutes to the canyon and falls. Spring is the best time to see the waterfall and winter also provides a unique perspective once the waterfall freezes...

Starved Rock State Park is just outside of Oglesby, Illinois. The park features sandstone bluffs and the Illinois River runs through the park. Dogs are allowed on trail if kept on leash. The trail is open year-round for a variety of activities. The Lover's Leap Overlook Trail is rated as beginn...

This out-and-back trail is one of the parks longest trails. Starting from the visitors center it is 2.1 mile hike one way and 4.2 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...

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 you ...

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 ...

This canyon is not as popular as some of the others in this park but it is my favorite by far. You can either make this a short hike from the Ottawa Canyon Trailhead on the east side of the park or hike the full 3.9 miles (one-way) from the visitor center. Either way you will not be disappointed...