Illinois is a Midwestern US state best known for its largest city, Chicago — a global hub of architecture, culture, food, and commerce. From the iconic skyline and world-class museums to Lincoln's historic home in Springfield and the rugged beauty of Shawnee National Forest, Illinois offers an incredibly diverse travel experience.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Starved Rock Canyon Loop
A classic loop through several of Starved Rock's 18 canyons, including St. Louis Canyon (the most dramatic), French Canyon, Ottawa Canyon, and LaSalle Canyon, where waterfalls cascade into canyon pools. The sandstone formations carved by glacial meltwater are stunning.
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2
River Trail
A pleasant riverside trail along the Illinois River offering excellent views of Lover's Leap bluff, Starved Rock (the original butte), and floodplain forest. Good for birdwatching in spring migration.
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3
Garden of the Gods Observation Trail
A paved/packed-gravel accessible loop around the dramatic sandstone rock formations of Garden of the Gods, offering panoramic views over the forested Shawnee Hills. The formations — Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, and Mushroom Rock — are 320 million years old.
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4
Wilderness Trail at Garden of the Gods
An extension of the observation trail that winds through the surrounding Shawnee National Forest wilderness, offering additional rock formations, forest solitude, and views from multiple overlooks.
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5
Matthiessen State Park Dells Trail
Matthiessen's trail system explores the Upper and Lower Dells — beautiful canyon formations similar to Starved Rock but less crowded. Features the Cascades waterfall, Cedar Point overlook, and the unique Giant's Bathtub formation filled with water.
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6
Illinois Beach State Park Dune Trail
A trail system through Illinois's only remaining dune habitat along Lake Michigan, featuring sand dunes up to 60 feet high, wetland ecosystems, and 6.5 miles of lakefront. Exceptional birdwatching during spring and fall migrations.
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7
Rock Cut State Park Trails
A large trail network near Rockford around two lakes (Pierce and Olson Lakes) with 40+ miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and in winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Excellent year-round outdoor recreation.
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8
Pere Marquette State Park Ridge Trail
Illinois's largest state park on the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, featuring 15 miles of forested ridge trails with spectacular views over the river valleys. Fall foliage is extraordinary when the whole valley glows with color.
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9
Cache River State Natural Area Boardwalk
A remarkable trail through a bald cypress and water tupelo swamp in southern Illinois — a place that feels more like Louisiana than the Midwest. The Heron Pond boardwalk leads through an ancient swamp with trees over 1,000 years old draped in Spanish moss. A truly unique Illinois ecosystem.
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10
Chicago Lakefront Trail
Chicago's beloved 18-mile multi-use trail along Lake Michigan's shoreline, connecting all major parks, beaches, and harbors from 71st Street to Ardmore Avenue. Spectacular skyline views, passing Navy Pier, Museum Campus, Lincoln Park, and all of Chicago's lakefront parks.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.