This loop hike follows the longest trail within the preserve leading hikers through diverse habitats to include wooded ravines, tallgrass prairies, seeps, and small ponds and creeks. There are some short but steep climbs throughout the route as well as multiple stream crossings. The diverse habitats of the area are home to a variety of plantlife and birdlife. There are some designated campsites available for overnight trips in the preserve. The trail does require preregistering in advance for a minimal fee so contact the nature preserve before setting out. There are other trails that do not require any type of registration for hikers who have not registered to hike the backpack trail.

Located within the Palos/Sag Valley Preserves, this loop trail explores the diverse vegetation of Cap Sauers Holdings and Swallow Cliff Woods. The trail travels into marshes, deep ravines, and thick woods with multiple stream crossings. There is lots of opportunity for enjoying nature and viewing wildlife in this scenic area just 25 minutes from downtown Chicago. There are multiple access spots, parking areas, and connecting trails along the route giving hikers the option of covering just portions of the trail or adding more mileage.

This popular forest preserve is located less than 30 miles from downtown Chicago and provides hikers and bikers with miles of trails that explore the scenic terrain of rolling woodlands, marshes, ponds, and streams. There is also a waterfall along the hike as well as some overlook spots for the Des Plaines River. The main crushed gravel trail is mostly used for biking and hiking and there are additional connecting side trails within the preserve that also be used to explore the area. The trails are multi-use and popular with bikers, horseback riders, and runners also so watch out for others while on the trail.

Located just over 20 miles from downtown Chicago, this loop trail explores multiple wooded areas and scenic lakes located in a beautiful and peaceful nature preserve. The area offers excellent opportunity for viewing wildlife and birdwatching. The trail is primarily dirt and gravel and is popular with hikers and bikers. There are multiple access points and connecting trails along the route providing hikers with the option of adding mileage to explore more of the area or shortening the trip by hiking just portions of the trail.

This trail is inside the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. This is Kentucky’s official arboretum. There are over 1,800 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants. You will find over 35 miles of available hiking trails. This scenic hike takes you through heavily wooded forest and along nice ridge tops. You will encounter some steep up and down sections throughout the adventure. Make sure to bring plenty of water. There can also be a lot of ticks, mosquitoes and chiggers.You must register at the Kiosk or the Visitor Center Desk before starting this hike. There is a $5.00 fee/vehicle on Saturdays and Sundays.

This trail is strenuous as it travels up hills and valleys of the westernmost portion of the Jefferson Memorial Forest. When you reach the summit, the trail offers beautiful overlooks of the surrounding area. In the spring and summer you will find beautiful wildflowers throughout the hike. The trail is marked with red blazes. If you would like to shorten the adventure, there is a connector trail that will shorten the loop to 1.4 miles. Be careful, as poison ivy is prevalent along the start of the trail.Mountain biking is prohibited on all of the parks trails.

There is a network of trails to explore along with water and winter activities. There are campgrounds or cabins available for overnight stay. All the lakes have blue-green algae. Do not swim or let pets in the water where there is a high concentration of algae. Drinking water should not come from any lake at any time. On this trail you will find a valley and, a ridge through the woods. There are two channels to be crossed.

This scenic forest preserve offers excellent scenery and diverse vegetation and terrain that is home to abundant plantlife and wildlife. The hike leads through both open grasslands and shaded woodlands and requires a few stream crossings. The trail is crushed limestone and is multi-use, mostly used by hikers and bikers. The loop hike is completed by combining multiple trails within the preserve. There are many side trails and connecting trails within the preserve that also provide hikers with the option of customizing a hike of a longer or shorter distance if desired.

There is a network of trails to explore along with water and winter activities. There are campgrounds or cabins available for overnight stay. All the lakes have blue-green algae. Do not swim or let pets in the water where there is a high concentration of algae. Drinking water should not come from any lake at any time. A hike where you can go from a hard wood forest to the shore.

There is a network of trails to explore along with water and winter activities. There are campgrounds or cabins available for overnight stay. All the lakes have blue-green algae. Do not swim or let pets in the water where there is a high concentration of algae. Drinking water should not come from any lake at any time. This hike is probably the most challenging in the whole park. It goes through an open field, creek bottoms, pine trees, locust and woods. It is also the longest one.