Posted in Illinois Hiking, Nature June 24, 2022 by

3 Scenic Hiking Trails Surround The Small Town Of Zion, Illinois

Are you looking for some scenic hiking trails in Illinois? You’ll find some in the small town of Zion, named after Mount Zion in Israel, due to its interesting, religious history. Zion was founded in 1901 by John Alexander Dowie, a Scots-Australian evangelical minister and faith healer, who purchased the land 40 miles north of Chicago. He managed to attract thousands of others to the area, who followed his faith-healing ministry. The area boasts some of the best hiking in the state, with the rich, wildness of Illinois Beach State Park, Beulah Park, Hosah Park, and North Dunes Nature Preserve offering at least eight scenic trails in the Zion area. This article features three of those trails, which will hopefully inspire you to head out for a breath of fresh air.

Beulah Park is a mostly wooded area, offering a network of trails running through Kellogg Ravine, along the small Kellogg Creek.
Beulah Park, 19th, Zion, IL 60099, USA
Roberto Garcia/AllTrails
Due to the popularity of these trails by bikers, in 2013, the mountain bike trails in Beulah Park became official and are managed by Chicago Area Mountain Bikers. This is also a popular area for birding and hiking.
This 1.7-mile, sweet, little loop is slightly hilly and sometimes follows the river. It offers cool bridges with river crossings.
Emily Iverson/AllTrails
The single track takes about a half-hour to complete, with clear paths and good directions.
Tatiana Kovachik/AllTrails
And bring your dog, who is always welcome on a leash.
Rhonda Decker/AllTrails
Illinois Beach State Park is a gorgeous natural resource stretching for 6.5 miles along Lake Michigan’s sandy shore, offering five miles of trails.
Illinois Beach State Park Road, Illinois Beach State Park Rd, Zion, IL 60099, USA
Michael Perrenot/AllTrails
In addition to hiking, the 4,160-acre park is a multi-recreational area of swimming, picnicking, boating, camping, and fishing.
Enjoy this 2.5-mile Dead River and Dunes Loop Trail.
Dimple Lanav/AllTrails
This hike is rated as moderately challenging, taking about 45 minutes to complete.
Noah Kleeburg/AllTrails
In addition to hiking, bring some binoculars to enjoy the birds. Because of the habitat, it is a natural draw for the yellow-breasted chat, the grasshopper sparrow, and Brewer’s blackbirds.
Melody Crow/AllTrails
Another trail in Illinois Beach is the North Unit Trail, a 7.9-mile, easy-rated loop. This one will take a little more time, with an average of about two-and-a-half hours.
rob rismondo/AllTrails
Enjoy the awesome varied landscape including the tranquil lake.
rob rismondo/AllTrails
If you’re interested in plants, this place offers 650 species, such as prickly pear cactus, cattail, and a wide variety of grasses including bluejoint, reed, big bluestem and prairie cordgrass.
Nick Mathiowdis/AllTrails
And again, watch out for the birds.

I hope one of these hikes has piqued your interest, and you are preparing a backpack to go. But all of that hiking can make you tired. At the end of the day, if you find yourself looking for accommodations, check out  Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center, the only hotel situated on the beaches of Lake Michigan and Illinois Beach State Park.

Address: Beulah Park, 19th, Zion, IL 60099, USA
Address: Illinois Beach State Park Road, Illinois Beach State Park Rd, Zion, IL 60099, USA