10 Best Hiking Trails in Illinois Near Chicago for Beginners

Starved Rock State Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Chicago, and for good reason. The park sits along the Illinois River and features more than 13 miles of marked trails leading to sandstone canyons, overlooks, rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls.

The scenery changes quickly as you move through the park. One section may take you through shaded woodland, while another opens onto a canyon or river overlook. Popular destinations include French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, St. Louis Canyon, and the Starved Rock overlook.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says the park has 18 canyons and more than 13 miles of trails. Waterfalls are dependent on rainfall, so spring and periods after significant rain are generally better for seeing flowing water.

For Chicago hikers who want the feeling of a real hiking getaway without traveling several hours, this is one of the strongest choices.

If you want one of the best hiking spots near Chicago without committing to a long road trip, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is an excellent option.

Located southwest of Chicago near Darien, the preserve covers more than 2,500 acres and includes forests, prairie, savanna, wetlands, and the Rocky Glen waterfall. The main loop is roughly 11 miles, although you can choose shorter sections if you do not want to hike the entire route.

The landscape makes this preserve especially interesting. Instead of walking through one type of environment for miles, you move between wooded areas and more open sections of restored prairie.

It is also a popular place for cyclists, horseback riders, and other outdoor users, so keep an eye on your surroundings when sharing the trail.

Matthiessen State Park sits just south of Starved Rock and is an excellent choice if you want dramatic Illinois scenery with a slightly different atmosphere.

The park combines forests, prairie, rocky dells, bluffs, and waterfalls. Its Dells Area is particularly scenic, with trails leading through narrow canyon-like formations and toward Cascade Falls.

Illinois State Parks lists about 5 miles of well-marked hiking trails. The upper areas are generally easier, while trails into the dells can become more difficult because of steep sections and uneven terrain.

The Dells Area Trail is a particularly good choice if your main goal is scenery. You can see moss-covered canyon walls, forest, and the park’s waterfall areas in one outing.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie offers a completely different hiking experience from the canyon trails around Starved Rock.

Instead of narrow rock formations and waterfalls, Midewin is characterized by wide-open prairie, rolling grasslands, wildlife, and big skies. The landscape is particularly appealing if you enjoy birdwatching or want a quieter hike away from heavily wooded trails.

The preserve has dedicated hiking routes as well as shared trails. One of its major attractions is the bison herd, which was reintroduced to the prairie and has become one of the area’s signature wildlife experiences.

Kankakee River State Park is a good choice when you want a traditional park experience with hiking plus opportunities for other outdoor activities.

The park follows the Kankakee River and covers roughly 4,000 acres. Hiking trails take you through wooded landscapes and along the river, with rocky areas adding variety to the scenery.

The park is also popular for fishing, kayaking, camping, and other outdoor recreation. That makes it a useful destination if your group wants more than just a hike.

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is ideal for hikers who prefer well-maintained paths rather than rugged backcountry terrain.

The arboretum features thousands of species of trees and plants across a large landscape, with trails winding through forests, open areas, and gardens. Many routes are relatively easy, and the combination of paved and wood-chip paths makes it accessible to people who do not want a demanding hike.

The source article notes approximately 16 miles of trails, with many routes rated easy.

This is less about conquering a difficult trail and more about spending several hours outdoors surrounded by trees and seasonal color.

North Branch Trail is one of the better choices for Chicago residents who want to hike without driving far from the city.

The trail begins in the Chicago area and follows the North Branch of the Chicago River through wooded sections, lagoons, and green spaces. The route is paved, making it suitable for walking, running, and cycling.

The trail system extends for roughly 22 miles and connects with other trails toward the Chicago Botanic Garden and North Shore area.

Because it is paved and shared with cyclists and runners, this is not the place to go if you are searching for a remote wilderness experience. But for an easy outdoor workout surrounded by greenery, it is a very convenient option.

Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine is a great suburban hiking option for people who want more natural terrain without traveling far from Chicago.

The preserve contains wetlands, prairie, and dense woodland. Some paths are paved, while other sections are unpaved and more challenging.

The unpaved trails are especially appealing if you want your walk to feel more like a traditional hike rather than a paved recreational path. Wildlife viewing is another major reason to visit.

The 606 is one of the most unusual hiking and walking options on this list because it runs directly through Chicago.

Built on an abandoned elevated railway, the trail gives walkers a green corridor through several neighborhoods. It is paved, relatively easy, and much more urban than the forest preserves and state parks farther outside the city.

The trail stretches for about 2.7 miles from end to end, making it better suited to an urban walk, run, or short hike than a full wilderness outing.

It is especially convenient when you want to get outside without leaving Chicago.

The Des Plaines River Trail is one of the best choices around Chicago if you want the freedom to choose your own distance.

The trail follows the Des Plaines River through Lake County and connects several natural areas. The source article describes a continuous trail of about 31.5 miles, with dirt and gravel surfaces and sections passing through forest preserves.

You do not have to hike the entire route. Pick an access point, walk as far as you like, and turn around or connect to another section.

The combination of river scenery, woodland, plants, and wildlife makes this a strong option for hikers who enjoy longer outings without the steep canyon terrain found at Starved Rock.