Yorkville, Illinois
Top Spots in and near Yorkville
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Oglesby, Illinois
Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park
5.03.9 miThis canyon is not as popular as some of the others in this park but it is my favorite by far. You can either hike the full 3.9 miles from the visitor center or you can jump in your car and head over to one of the parking lots on the east side for a shorter hike. Either way you will not be disap...Read more -
Oglesby, Illinois
Hike to St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park
5.03 miStarved Rock has some very interesting rock formations you can explore. The valley was formed by a series of floods as glacial melt waters broke through moraines, sending torrents of flood water surging across the land that eventually eroded the sandstone and sedimentary rock. If you arrive in ...Read more -
Oglesby, Illinois
Hike the Matthiessen State Park Loop
4.85.8 miWith 5 miles of trails, which alternate between cliffs, canyons, and bluffs, Matthiessen State Park has plenty to offer. This particular trail also includes three waterfalls, along the way. From the Dells Area parking lot, head down the steps next to the log fort replica. At the 4-way junction tu...Read more -
Oglesby, Illinois
Hike the Lower Dells at Matthiessen State Park
4.83.5 mi / 250 ft gainStarting off right from the parking lot at Matthiessen State Park, follow the trail markers through the forest, across beautiful bridges, and find your way to one of the many stunning waterfalls. Depending on when you go, the water level will vary greatly. During the summer months the water level...Read more -
Oglesby, Illinois
Hike the Upper Dells of Matthiessen State Park
4.32.2 mi / 627 ft gainFrom the start of the parking lot you will cross a picnic area to your left where you can have a bite to eat before or after your hike. The trailhead starts off with a couple flights of stair leading you down to the bridge. After taking in the spectacular views at the top of the waterfall you wil...Read more -
Oglesby, Illinois
Red River Loop
2.57 mi / 266 ft gainThe Red River Loop in Matthiessen State Park River Area runs alongside the Vermillion River and is typically used by hikers, walkers, and those wishing to see unique birds. The Red River Trail is open for use year-round. The trail winds through beautiful canyons, streams, prairies, and forests in...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 -
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 -
Chicago, Illinois
Grant Park
4.5Grant Park is located on the east side of Chicago. It is a great place to spend the day and explore. From the famous "Bean", which is actually named "the cloud", to Buckingham Fountain there is plenty to see in this park. It is also a great place to see the Chicago skyline, as well as have a picn...Read more -
Chicago, Illinois
Millennium Park Trail
5.00.63 mi / 26 ft gainMillennium Park Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chicago, Illinois.Read more -
Chicago, Illinois
Luire Garden
0.18 mi / 10 ft gainVisiting Chicago I was on a mission to find a great outdoors spot to be in. This definitely fulfilled my goal of finding a beautiful garden to hangout in! There are plenty of different paths and areas to explore just within the city! Location Located in Millennium Park it will be easy to find,...Read more -
Chicago, Illinois
Lakeshore Path: North Ave Beach to Navy Pier
1.84 mi / 72 ft gainLakeshore Path: North Ave Beach to Navy Pier is a point-to-point trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Chicago, Illinois.Read more -
Chicago, Illinois
Run Chicago’s Lakefront Trail
5.06.7 miChicago – the third largest city in the US and home to the deep dish pizza – doesn’t exactly scream “outdoorsy.” In reality, there is much more to Chicago than skyscrapers; there are dozens of parks, outdoor music venues, and the city is right on Lake Michigan, making it very easy on the eyes. Be...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 -
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 -
Franklin Grove, Illinois
Explore the Nachusa Grasslands
The Nachusa Grasslands is a wildlife restoration and recreational area located near Franklin Grove, Illinois that contains several hiking trails through prarie land with over 700 native plant species and features a 1500 acre enclosure for a bison heard that inhabits the preserve. The land is cur...Read more