Hike the Des Plaines River Trail

Big Bear and Little Bear Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Vernon Hills, Illinois.

Park in the lot off of half day road (see map) to access the trail. Accessible year round, great for all skill levels, and dog-friendly.

Park in the lot off of Butler Lane (see map) to access the trail. This trail is open year round, is dog-friendly, and offers a variety of activities. In the winter, bring your snow gear!

Starting at Tower Road, the path follows the bridge east to Forest Way Drive. The path mostly follows the road, and the shoreline of the lagoons up to Dundee Road, where you turn back West. Once across the bridge, you then head south on the paved trail back towards Tower Road. The Route is marked as the "Black Loop Trail" and is 4.4 miles total. Parking available on Tower Road and also at the b...

The Hollows Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Cary, Illinois.

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.