Palos Park, Illinois

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.

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...

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...

Saganashkee Slough is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Lemont, Illinois.

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...

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...

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...

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. 

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...

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...

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,...

Millennium Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chicago, Illinois.

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...

Lakeshore Path: North Ave Beach to Navy Pier is a point-to-point trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chicago, Illinois.

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...

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.