If you're an avid hiker, you probably have no problem hitting the trails in any season and maybe even in any kind of weather. For the rest of us, well, we tend to stick to hiking when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. But there are some year-round hikes that just about anyone can do including one particular short loop hike in Illinois. The Hastings Lake Loop is a delightful nature walk we think you'll love as much as we do.

Hastings Lake is located in Lake Villa, Illinois, and is part of Lake County Forest Preserves. Covering 270 acres, Hasting Lake offers four miles of hiking trails through fields, wetlands, and woodlands. A variety of recreation can be experienced here like hiking, biking, rollerblading, fishing, and even cross-country skiing.

You can also take your dog, although you must keep it on a leash. And there is plenty of nature to be found here in every season.

Within this preserve is an 80-acre lake with 12,000 feet of shoreline. The lake is filled with plenty of fish like bluegill, largemouth bass, and carp. Fishing is common here and there is even a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier.

The Hastings Lake Loop is a 2.2-mile loop trail that is relatively flat, accessible, and perfect for year-round use. It's one of the best loop trails in IL that everyone should consider hiking in any season.

When hiking in IL in the spring and summer, the preserve comes alive with wildflowers in bloom and plenty of birds and wildlife to be seen.

The fall brings an array of splendid colors along with crisp cool air, which is always welcome after a hot, humid summer.

And in the winter, you can experience peace and quiet as you go for a hike or cross-country skiing. Isn't it a wonderful thing when you can find a trail that can be used year-round?

As for accessibility, the Hastings Lake Loop is a mix of paved pathways and boardwalks with a gentle grade that's good for most wheelchairs and strollers. The boardwalk also has a barrier along the edge. And in the parking lot off of West Gelden Road, there are five designated accessible spots.

Have you gone for a hike at Hastings Lake in Illinois? What are some of your favorite Illinois loop trails? Let your fellow readers know in the comments. Get your Hastings Lake Loop trail map and current conditions with AllTrails+.

If you want to explore more of the great outdoors, you can also check out the best hikes in Illinois. These are our favorite hiking trails from beginner to advanced.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/illinois/best-hikes-in-illinois/