The 16 Best Hiking Spots Around Chicago

The 606 is a popular hiking area in Chicago that offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. With features like Wheelchair-accessible car park and Wheelchair-accessible entrance, the trail ensures that everyone can access its beauty.

Visitors can engage in activities such as Cycling, Hiking, Jogging, and Walking along the well-maintained trail. The trail also provides amenities like a Skateboarding area and is kid-friendly, making it a great place for families to spend time outdoors.

Customer reviews rave about The 606, with many highlighting its picturesque landscapes and convenient location. Some key points from customer reviews include:

• A safe, beautifully landscaped, and well-maintained trail that is ideal for walks and bike rides regardless of the season.
• The 606 Trail is a great place to relax, exercise, run bikes, skate, walk your dogs if you have any, or simply take a nice walk through several Northside neighborhoods!
• Beautiful elevated park. Well landscaped and a great way to see the neighborhoods. Joggers, walkers, and bikers are used with ease.
• Loved it! Enjoyed taking a stroll through here. So much to see. Taking my bike next time. Definitely need more time and better condition to walk/run/ride it all through.

These reviews attest to the diverse offerings and appeal of The 606, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Chicago.

LaBagh Woods is a renowned nature preserve in Chicago, offering a variety of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. With a rating of 4.7 based on 1671 reviews, it is clear that this natural oasis is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

• A visitor described LaBagh Woods as a wonderful respite from the city chaos, with open fields, picnic areas, and scenic trails that may even lead to friendly encounters with deer.
• Another customer highlighted the relaxing atmosphere of the nature spot, perfect for escaping urban noises and accessible for those with mobility devices.
• One group mentioned their pleasant picnic experience at the preserve, emphasizing the beauty and charm of the surroundings.
• Others appreciated the wildlife sightings and the peaceful ambiance that makes LaBagh Woods a hidden gem within the city limits.

Experience the beauty of nature at LaBagh Woods and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this stunning preserve.

Schiller Woods is a beautiful nature preserve located in N Cook County, Chicago. With a rating of 4.7 based on 1515 reviews, it's a popular destination for nature lovers and families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking along well-kept pathways, having picnics at designated areas with picnic tables, and even bringing their dogs along for the adventure, as they are allowed in the preserve.

Customers have raved about their experiences at Schiller Woods, with some key points highlighted in their reviews:

• I love this park for all seasons, great for picnics and walks, and please no littering!
• Lots of space to explore, well-kept, and a nice escape from the city within the city.
• Beautiful scenery, decent pathways, lots of wildlife, we will definitely be back.
• A beautiful escape from reality steps away from home, plenty of parking and areas to relax, watch out for deer poop!

These are just a few examples of the many positive experiences shared by visitors to Schiller Woods. Whether you're looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy a peaceful hike, or simply unwind in a serene environment, this nature preserve has something to offer for everyone.

Bloomingdale Trail Park is a renowned hiking area in Chicago, offering a range of activities like cycling, hiking, jogging, and walking along its point-to-point trail. With a 4.7 rating, this park is beloved by many visitors who appreciate its accessibility with features like wheelchair-accessible entrances and dog-friendly areas.

Customers have raved about the park, highlighting key points such as:

• Beautiful landscaping with native vegetation
• Great for daily walks with excellent upkeep
• Nice amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and exercise bars

Reviews mentioned well-maintained trails, diverse flora, and a family-friendly environment to enjoy outdoor activities. Whether you are a walker, cyclist, or nature enthusiast, Bloomingdale Trail Park offers a scenic retreat in the heart of Chicago.

Dan Ryan Woods is a popular nature preserve in Chicago, IL, United States, known for its picturesque trails and serene ambiance. The preserve offers a range of amenities, including picnic tables and public toilets, making it a perfect spot for families and hikers alike. For those with children or furry friends, Dan Ryan Woods is also kid-friendly and dog-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a day out in nature.

With a stellar rating of 4.5 stars based on 2898 reviews, customers rave about the preserve's beauty and accessibility. Some key points from the reviews include:

• Scenic trails for hiking
• Great for family outings and picnics
• Well-maintained facilities and cleanliness

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or a fun day out with loved ones, Dan Ryan Woods has something for everyone. Visit their website to learn more and plan your visit today!

Lakefront Trail - Fullerton - 2400 N offers a stunning outdoor experience right by the lake in Chicago. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as birdwatching, cycling, hiking, jogging, and walking along the 13.5-mile trail. The trail is not only wheelchair-accessible but also kid-friendly, making it a perfect destination for families. Dogs are also welcome, with designated areas for them to enjoy the outdoors.

The trail has received rave reviews from numerous visitors. Some key points highlighted in the reviews include:

• A beautiful and well-maintained trail with breathtaking views of the lake and skyline.
• Enjoyable experiences watching various boats pass by and witnessing sunrises and sunsets.
• A relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for outdoor activities and capturing amazing photographs.
• Stunning views of both the cityscape and the lakeshore, offering a unique experience with each visit.

With a high rating of 4.9 out of 5, Lakefront Trail - Fullerton - 2400 N is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Chicago's lakefront.

Catherine Chevalier Woods Nature Preserve is a captivating oasis nestled in Chicago, IL. This nature preserve offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts. From picnic tables to public toilets, this preserve ensures visitors have everything they need for a peaceful day outdoors.

Customer reviews rave about the beauty and tranquility of Catherine Chevalier Woods, with a rating of 4.6 stars. Here are some key points summarized from their reviews:

• Beautiful place for a walk or bike ride with family and friends, enjoyed by all
• Great hiking and biking trails with new renovations like a bridge over the river
• A nice wooded area with plenty of animals to see and a newly refurbished bridge
• Amazing and beautiful forest with stunning fall colors and abundant wildlife

Experience the serenity and splendor of nature at Catherine Chevalier Woods, where every visit is sure to leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.

Lakefront Trail - North Trailhead - Ardmore Ave - 5800 N is a popular Hiking area located in Chicago, IL. This trailhead provides a beautiful spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of activities such as Cycling, Hiking, Jogging, and Walking along the picturesque Lakefront Trail.

Some of the amenities available at this location include designated Cycling lanes, Picnic tables, and Public toilet facilities. The trailhead is also LGBTQ+ friendly and provides a Transgender safe space for all visitors to feel welcome.

Visitors have praised Lakefront Trail for its stunning views and well-maintained paths. The trailhead has received an impressive rating of 4.8 stars based on 296 reviews.

• Beautiful views of the lake
• Well-marked trails for easy navigation
• Clean and well-maintained facilities

Whether you're looking for a relaxing walk or an invigorating hike, Lakefront Trail - North Trailhead is the perfect destination for outdoor recreation in Chicago.

Schiller Woods-East Nature Preserve is a stunning natural oasis located in Chicago, IL. This preserve offers a variety of amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. From hiking trails to picnic tables, there is something for everyone at Schiller Woods-East.

Customers have raved about their experiences at Schiller Woods-East, highlighting a few key points:

• A great place for a walk with family or pets, a place for a picnic, a place to relax
• Plenty of trails to explore and enjoy the wildlife
• Perfect for flying battery-operated planes and gas-powered planes in the summertime
• Opportunities to see friendly deer up close

Don't miss out on the chance to visit Schiller Woods-East Nature Preserve and immerse yourself in its natural beauty and tranquility!

Forest Glen Woods is a serene nature preserve nestled in the heart of Chicago, IL. With a rating of 4.6, it is evident that visitors have truly fallen in love with this natural oasis. The preserve offers a range of amenities and activities, including hiking, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Customers rave about Forest Glen Woods, highlighting the following key points:

• Abundance of wildlife and impeccably maintained grounds
• Diverse trails for walking, biking, and exploring nature
• Breathtaking scenery, including rivers, wildlife, and train sightings

Visitors appreciate the accessibility features such as wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, as well as amenities like picnic tables and public toilets. The preserve is also pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their canine companions along for a day of exploration.

One reviewer describes it as "a wonderful place to catch a break from the busy rhythms of the city," highlighting the easy accessibility, variety of activities, and overall tranquil atmosphere. Another visitor praises the "beautiful walk/bike/trail" and looks forward to returning in the spring when everything blooms.

So, if you're seeking a peaceful retreat into nature, look no further than Forest Glen Woods. It is a place where urban dwellers can reconnect with the great outdoors and revel in the beauty of the natural world.

Eggers Grove is a breathtaking nature preserve located in Chicago, IL. Offering a range of activities and amenities, this preserve is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families alike. With features like hiking trails, picnic tables, and areas that are dog-friendly, Eggers Grove provides the perfect setting for a day of outdoor fun and relaxation.

Customers have raved about their experiences at Eggers Grove, summarizing their visits with key points:

• Enjoys long walks in nature with friends, creating lasting memories.
• Love the peaceful mornings for exercise routines and encounters with wildlife.
• Appreciates the beauty of the preserve but raises concerns about nearby electrical infrastructure.
• Visiting post-Halloween to feed deer and enjoy family time in the great outdoors.

These reviews reflect the diverse experiences and activities available at Eggers Grove, making it a top destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.

Schiller Woods-South is a renowned nature preserve in Chicago that offers a plethora of services and amenities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking on well-maintained trails surrounded by lush greenery. The preserve boasts picnic tables and public toilets for added convenience. It is also dog-friendly, allowing visitors to explore the trails with their furry companions. With an overall rating of 4.5 stars, it is evident that Schiller Woods-South has impressed many visitors.

Here are some key points from customer reviews:

• Beautiful hiking trail with lots to explore and clean surroundings.
• Great place to see deer, enjoy fresh air, and relax in a quiet environment.
• Nice spot to escape the chaos and immerse oneself in nature.
• Trails can get flooded easily after rain, so be cautious when visiting.

Chicago Portage National Historic Site is a nature preserve in Forest View, IL, that offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. With wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking, it ensures everyone can explore the picturesque trails. The site boasts activities like hiking, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking adventure. Visitors can also relax at the picnic tables provided, making it perfect for a day out with family or friends.

The business has received a remarkable 4.5-star rating from 176 reviews. Some key points from customer reviews include:

• I really love this spot. There is usually enough people that I feel safe and not too many people that I'm annoyed. Good for bikes or walks.
• A hidden gem (if you don't know about it lol) great views and trails here. Very serene and peaceful, especially with the cut off portion of the Desplaines river. Walking where Chicago most likely got its name and smelling the same smells that the natives did so many years ago puts things into perspective.
• Wonderful park with plenty of historical plaques and wildlife. Saw a deer while walking along the trails. Combination of gravel and paved trails. Decent amount of parking available.
• Decent trail, close to home. My biggest complaint about this trail is the obvious lack of maintenance of the natural landscape. There are homeless people who camp out and often live here. Sux but won't stop me from coming here.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, an educational visit, or a fun day out with loved ones, Chicago Portage National Historic Site offers something for everyone. Visit their website for more information and plan your next outdoor adventure today.

Lakefront Trail - Belmont Harbor - 3200 N offers a stunning hiking area right along the shoreline in Chicago. Visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities, including wheelchair-accessible entrance, a kid-friendly environment, and the opportunity to bring their furry friends since dogs are allowed on the trail.

With a remarkable rating of 4.8 stars, guests have shared their positive experiences. Here are a few key points from their reviews:

• Wonderful place to be, safe, beautiful atmosphere, great for a mask-free breathe.
• Perfect for enjoying the view, but can be crowded at times and might require some attention to traffic.
• Loved by residents and visitors alike, a beautiful amenity that could benefit from some design upgrades.
• Usually crowded but still a wonderful walk, offering a nice breeze and places to rest.

The Bloomingdale Trail - East Trailhead - Ashland Ave - 1600 W offers a variety of services and activities for visitors to enjoy. From being wheelchair-accessible to allowing dogs on the trail, there is something for everyone. Customers have praised this hiking area, rating it at an impressive 4.8 stars. Here are some summarized reviews:

• It's a fantastic multi-use trail that accommodates bikers, strollers, runners, and dogs safely and comfortably.
• The trail gets busy on nice days with people biking, rollerblading, and enjoying the scenic spots to sit and relax.
• Perfect for biking and walking, with plenty of room, benches, water fountains, and views of different Chicago neighborhoods.
• A great place for various activities like walking, running, biking, skating, or just relaxing.

Customers keep coming back to this beautiful spot, showcasing how repurposed places can become beloved hangout destinations for all kinds of activities.

Walking Stick Woods Natural Area is a popular hiking area in Chicago, IL, known for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere. With a rating of 4.7, this natural area offers a variety of activities such as hiking, jogging, and walking along its loop trail. It is also pet-friendly with dogs allowed on the premises.

Customers have left rave reviews about Walking Stick Woods Natural Area:

• Great natural area for kids to explore, slightly tricky entrance but worth the visit.
• Nice walking trail, very quiet and peaceful.
• Really nice place, perfect for a day out in nature.

Experience the beauty of nature at Walking Stick Woods Natural Area and enjoy a relaxing day outdoors.