10 Best Hiking And Trekking Spots In Illinois, USA

1. Starved Rock State Park

From the moment you enter the park, drive through the towering trees, you will notice that this is the perfect park for hiking or trekking. The park features 13 miles (20.9 kilometers) of hiking trails, boating and fishing opportunities at River Illinois and, of course, extraordinary views of the surrounding. It is highly recommended that you visit the park each season. The entire park, including the trails, looks completely different each season. While you are here, please make sure that you stay on the marked trails. Also make sure that you take out what you bring in, leaving the park as clean as possible.

Starved Rock State Park

Address: 2668 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

Website: Starved Rock State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

2. Matthiessen State Park

Hiking is fun, but what makes hiking better at Matthiessen State Park is hiking in nature full of streams, wildlife, canyons and prairies. The park is strategically located at the heart of LaSalle County, 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Oglesby and 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Utica. If you are interested in geology, you will love the views of natural rock formations in addition to the abundant wildlife and vegetation. All of the mentioned features along with the picnic facilities offered at the Matthiessen State Park makes it the perfect place to enjoy hiking or, just a fun day out with family and friends.

Matthiessen State Park

Address: 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, United States

Website: Matthiessen State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Shawnee National Forest

Located between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, Shawnee National Forest is famous for its woodlands, lakes, streams, hills and an amazing 160-mile (257-km) river to river trail. After hiking, you will enjoy other recreational activities such as horse riding, hunting, nature viewing, picnicking and cycling. Given the fact that the park is also a hunting ground, visitors are always advised to take extra precautions by wearing bright clothing. Given the fact that the streams do not meet the safety standards for drinking, it is always recommended that you should carry your own drinking water. Also, so as not to get lost, it is always a good idea to carry a map and a compass.

Shawnee National Forest

Address: Herod, IL 62947, United States

Website: Shawnee National Forest

Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)

4. Hidden Springs State Forests

Hidden Springs State Forest is a 1200-acre (485-hectare) piece of land strategically located in Clarksburg, just 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Shelbyville. The park features an amazing hiking trail including the Possum Hollow Nature Trail that is ¾ mile (1.2 kilometers) in length and will provide you with access to Park Pond and the pine seed orchard. Other trails that you can enjoy include The Big Tree Trail which is a mile (1.6 kilometers) in length and Rocky Spring Trail which is 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) in length. Visitors are always advised to keep both motorcycles and horses off foot trails. All are welcomed to enjoy the pleasurable and peaceful forest environment.

Hidden Springs State Forests

Address: 101 SW 1st St, Strasburg, IL 62465, United States

Website: Hidden Springs State Forests

5. Red Hills State Park

Located in southeastern Illinois between Olney and Lawrenceville, Red Hills State Park is a well-maintained park full of mind-blowing meadows, all year round streams and high wounded hills perfect for outdoor activities and relaxing in nature. For those who love hiking, the park features many hiking trails including the Indian Treaty, Valley Springs and Tulip Trail which overlaps for about 3 miles (4.8 km). Other activities you might enjoy at the park include fishing and enjoying horseback riding or bicycling on the 5-mile (8 km) trail when the soil conditions permit.

Red Hills State Park

Address: 3571 Ranger Lane, Sumner, IL 62466, United States

Website: Red Hills State Park

Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)

6. Giant City State Park

Giant City State Park boasts a mind-blowing natural beauty offering countless opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping, horseback riding, fishing and hiking. It is without a doubt that hikers will marvel at the countless hiking trails, especially the famous Giant City Nature Trail which features giant bluffs of sandstone that were formed 12,000 years ago. Other hiking trails at the park that can be enjoyed include the 12-mile (19-km) Red Cedar hiking trail, the Indian Creek Trail, the Arrowwood trails and the Post Oak hiking trail which has been designed for disabled visitors. Campsites are also available at the park.

Giant City State Park

Address: 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, United States

Website: Giant City State Park

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

7. Pere Marquette State Park

If you love nature, then Pere Marquette State Park is your paradise. Apart from being the perfect site to capture the panoramic views of the Illinois River, the park exposes visitors to various outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, hiking, trekking and hunting. For hikers, you will enjoy the 12 miles (19 km) of marked trails which will award you with scenic views of the lush forests, towering bluffs, and an abundance of wildlife. For new visitors, you should always grab your trail map that can be found at the Visitor Center.

Pere Marquette State Park

Address: 13112 Visitor Center Ln, Grafton, IL 62037, United States

Website: Pere Marquette State Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5:30am - 8pm; Sat & Sun: 8am - 9pm

8. Ferne Clyffe State Park

Located just a mile south of Goreville and approximately 12 miles (19km) south of Marion, Ferne Clyffe State Park is an incredible hiking destination known for its unique geological features, an abundance of ferns and the rare plant community which enhances the park’s atmosphere. Hikers love Ferne Clyffe State Park thanks to the 18 hiking trails that offer them to explore the beauty of the park at their own pace. Given the fact that naturally occurring dangerous areas are common at the park, it is always recommended to hike within the designated trails. After enjoying hiking, you can also participate in other activities such as hiking, picnicking and fishing.

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Address: 90 Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL 62939, United States

Website: Ferne Clyffe State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

9. Mississippi Palisades State Park

Situated at the junction of the Mississippi and Apple rivers, Mississippi Palisades State Park is a park that’s rich in Native American history. The park is famous for its trails which were created by the Native American pathfinders hence hiking through the trails will put you in touch with the past. The park has several trails with different terrain, some of the trails that amaze you include the High Point Trail at 3.5 miles (5.6 km), Aspen at 1.9 miles (3 km) and Sentinel Trail at 1.2 miles (2 km). For those who are physically challenged, you can try out the Oak Point trail which features a more suitable surface.

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Address: 16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, United States

Website: Mississippi Palisades State Park

10. Dixon Springs State Park

Last on our list is Duxon Springs State Park. It might be last but it does not mean that the park has the least activities to be enjoyed. It is located in the Shawnee Hills, hence promising incredible views and outstanding hiking trails. Hikers who visit the park get to enjoy the 1.7 miles (2.7 km) self-guided nature trail and the 1 mile (1.6 km) long trail that leads through Ghost Dance Canyon. Other activities that can be enjoyed at the park include fishing, hunting, camping and picnicking. Please note that it is prohibited to damage any plant, shrub, tree or flowers.

Dixon Springs State Park

Address: 982 IL-146, Golconda, IL 62938, United States

Website: Dixon Springs State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Explore trails in Illinois, USA

If you love hiking or trekking, there is no better place to be than in Illinois. This US state boasts hiking and trekking destinations that are perfect for everyone, whether you’re an amateur or a professional. Come and explore these picturesque trails when touring Illinois.