Posted in Illinois Hiking, Nature April 20, 2023 by

10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Illinois

Hiking in Illinois is one of the most fulfilling activities that there is because it immerses you in nature and exposes you to worlds you never knew existed. But a lot of people don’t hike because they are intimidated. They feel like they aren’t in good enough shape to hike. But people of all fitness levels can hike. It’s all about starting out on trails that aren’t too hard, and then working your way up. So start with these 10 trails that are some of the best hikes in Illinois. Next time you are searching for easy hikes in Illinois, look no further than this list!

1. Illinois Beach State Park
Peter Ciro/Flickr




Illinois Beach State Park includes some of the very best stretches of the Lake Michigan shoreline. The Dead River trail is naturally surfaced (sand) and goes through the wetlands.
Illinois Beach State Park Road, Illinois Beach State Park Rd, Zion, IL 60099, USA
2. Starved Rock State Park
Arturo Hurtado/Flickr
This park has canyons, waterfalls, and enough scenic overlooks to make anyone happy. Starved Rock State Park offers lots to do, making it kind of a choose your own adventure park. Walk as far or short as you want. You can see a canyon (French Canyon) within .4 miles from the visitor's center.
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
3. Cache River State Natural Area
Wikimedia Commons/Miguel.v
You can see an incredible world that looks like something out of the deep South. Large, bald cypress trees emerge from the bog. The best path you can take is the Todd-Fink Heron Pond Trail, a fairly flat trail that takes you right through the trees.
4. Waterfall Glen
Brian Jelonek/Flickr
This is one of those great secrets that not too many people know about. Water crashes down glacier rock. There are 11 total miles of trails at Waterfall Glenn. Crushed limestone makes this fairly easy to hike.
Waterfall Glen, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
5. Ferne Clyffe State Park
Anthony George/Flickr




Large rocks and waterfalls, along with fresh ferns, characterize Ferne Clyffe State Park. The waterfall trail is only .75 miles and leads right to the waterfall. The Big Rock Hollow Trail is .75 miles and leads to a 100 foot tall waterfall. Both trails are some of the best hikes in Illinois!
Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL, USA
6. Giant City State Park
David Wilson/Flickr
Walk between large boulders and among wild rock formations at Giant City State Park Hike as far or short as you want. Not too far in, you will see amazing rocks.
Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
7. Mississippi Palisades State Park
moistpics3/Flickr
Mississippi Palisades State Park offers some of the most gorgeous views of the Mississippi River. You can hike among the large, 500-foot bluffs. The park has north and south divisions. Trails in the north part are much less strenuous.
Mississippi Palisades State Park, 16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, USA
8. Matthiessen State Park
Curtis Abert/Flickr
Hike through upper and lower dells, around waterfalls, and by canyons. There are five miles of trails at Matthiessen State Park. Pretty much every trail is fair game, but the lower dells might be a little challenging for first-time hikers.
Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
9. Garden of the Gods
Justin Meissen/Flickr




This is one of the best views of Illinois. Walk among these 320 million-year-old bluffs. The Garden of the Gods observation trail is only .5 miles long.
Garden of the Gods, Herod, IL 62947, USA
10. Castle Rock State Park
David Wilson/Flickr
Castle Rock State Park is right on the Rock River, and you can see all of the rolling topography this area is known for. These are 6 total miles of trails. Take the Wildlife Viewing trail which is just 1 mile long.
Castle Rock State Park, 1365 W Castle Rd, Oregon, IL 61061, USA

Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more of the best hikes in Illinois!

Do you have any favorite trails in Illinois? Tell us about it on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in Illinois

May 04, 2022
Katie Lawrence

Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Illinois?

If you have any pint-sized adventurers in your nest, Illinois is the absolute best place to be. Every corner of the state is full of easy trails with incredible payoffs that the whole family is sure to enjoy. One of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Illinois is the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail, located in the Garden of the Gods Wilderness. This half-mile stroll leads to breathtaking views of unique sandstone rock formations and the vast Shawnee National Forest. Hikers young and old will have a great time on this short and sweet trek!

What are some of the most scenic hikes in Illinois?

If scenic hikes in Illinois are what you seek, it doesn’t get much better than Starved Rock State Park. This vast wilderness area features towering sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater. Several of these canyons - as if they weren’t breathtaking enough already - also boast waterfalls that are active in the spring and after heavy rain. There are hiking trails of all lengths and difficulties in the park, so all ages and skill levels can enjoy this Illinois treasure.

Where can I find easy hikes in Illinois?

Sometimes, you just want to enjoy Mother Nature's infinite beauty without working up too much of a sweat. Luckily, there are plenty of easy hikes in Illinois that allow you to do just that! One of our favorites is the Giant City Nature Trail at Giant City State Park. This .9-mile loop is short, sweet, and mostly flat, so it's suitable for almost everyone. Plus, the series of rock formations along the way will leave you in awe!