Elgin, Illinois
Top Spots in and near Elgin
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Cary, Illinois
The Hollows Trail
3.77 mi / 220 ft gainThe Hollows Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Cary, Illinois.Read more -
Warrenville, Illinois
Herrick Lake Trail
4.08.2 mi / 390 ft gainThis is an easy trail for beginners, with a packed gravel clearly-marked trail shared by walkers, runners, bicyclists, and even horses (the trail is next to Denada Equestrian Center). Gently sloping trails lead through prairie land, next to small ponds filled with singing frogs, some wooded are...Read more -
Lisle, Illinois
Hike the Morton Arboretum's Main Trail Loops
5 mi / 0 ft gainThe Morton Arboretum is located off of Route 53 in Lisle, IL. The arboretum spans both the east and west sides of the road. Head to the east side of the park to access the Main Trail Loops. Visitors have to pay a small fee to enter the arboretum ($14 April through November, $9 December through Ma...Read more -
Des Plaines, Illinois
Watch the Sunset at Axehead Lake
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.Read more -
Vernon Hills, Illinois
Big Bear and Little Bear Lake Loop
1.74 mi / 43 ft gainBig Bear and Little Bear Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Vernon Hills, Illinois.Read more -
Oak Brook, Illinois
Run the Fullersburg Woods Loop
4.76 miThis is a six-mile loop along the banks of the Salt Creek in Oakbrook, IL. The flat trail features trees and wildflowers (great walk to do in autumn). Trail is also good for bike riders. There is a picnic area and the Graue Mill and Museum. Graue Mill is 150 years old and played a part in the Und...Read more -
Deerfield, Illinois
Hike the Prairie Wolf Slough Loop
3.01.01 mi / 9 ft gainPark 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.Read more -
Ringwood, Illinois
Hike the Glacial Park Loop Trail
2.3 mi / 216 ft gainGlacial Park is located in McHenry County Conservation District, near Richmond, Illinois. The park features prairies, a flowing river, and over 40 endangered plant and animal species. The park is open for hikers, horseback riders, fishers, and those wishing to canoe. Glacial Park is part of the H...Read more -
Northfield, Illinois
Bike the Skokie Lagoons North Loop
3.04.5 miStarting 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...Read more -
Brookfield, Illinois
Salt Creek Greenway Trail
13.99 mi / 551 ft gainThis trail is almost 7 miles one-way (14 miles out-and-back) of paved path, makes for an ideal biking (especially those of us with road bikes), skating, and even running path. The trail runs out-and-back along the Salt Creek in Brookfield, IL. The trailhead is right near the Brookfield Zoo (for a...Read more -
Lemont, Illinois
Kayak the Des Plaines River
Not the easiest to get in or out of the river at this location, but it works, at least for a kayak. Look out for people using the Centennial trail, and those fishing nearby. Be careful and if you are able, wear good shoes or sandals (not flip flops) with some tread as it can get muddy. Nearby thi...Read more -
Lake Villa, Illinois
Hike Hastings Lake LCFP
5.02.37 mi / 88 ft gainPark 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!Read more -
Willow Springs, Illinois
Cemetery Hill
2 mi / 100 ft gainJust outside of Chicago the Palos Region of the Cook County Forest Preserve offers a few thousand acres of dirt single track and limestone paths. Here you will find rolling hills and bluff that will rev up your hill workouts. This single track loop is great for mountain biking and trail running...Read more -
Willow Springs, Illinois
Saganashkee Slough
5.06.92 mi / 512 ft gainSaganashkee Slough is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Lemont, Illinois.Read more -
Willow Springs, Illinois
Black Oak Trail
4.52.64 mi / 148 ft gainThe trails traverse a rolling glacial highland of oak woods and prairie. The hiking trails connect to miles of multi-use trails where you can hike, mountain bike, cross country ski and snowshoe. Lastly, there is an interpretive center with exhibits about local nature and history. The trailhead...Read more -
Evanston, Illinois
Catch a Sunrise at The Lakefill
5.0From the Northwestern University campus, head to the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts to access the southern-most section of The Lakefill. If driving, parking is usually available nearby on Sheridan Road, to the southwest of The Lakefill. Once at the Ryan Center, take the pedestrian bridge on the...Read more
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Camping and Lodging in Elgin
Union, Illinois
Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday
Welcome to the KOA closest to Chicago! The front desk staff will be able to give you detailed information on public transportation from ...