This Just Might Be The Most Underrated Hike In All Of Illinois
Everyone knows about the vast trails running through the Shawnee National Forest and all the other large nature preserves that grace our incredible state. However, most don’t know about this small loop path in the northern half of Illinois. Not far from Rockford, you’ll find a fantastic little trail that gets you up and close with one of Illinois’ loveliest rivers.
Since most don’t know about it, the trail traffic is light, helping you feel a million miles away from it all. Grab your best shoes, your dog, and your binoculars for a fully rounded experience you’re sure to love.
The Lowden-Miller Forest lies along the Rock River in the Rock River Valley near the town of Oregon.
You'll travel through the forest to Rock River and then walk along the riverside before the trail turns into the woods again, looping you back to where you started.
Natural wonders include hardwood and pine trees, wildlife, and 120-foot bluffs you'll want to witness again and again. Bring your camera so you can capture amazing views of the river and forest. Locals tend to flock here for bird-watching as well.
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.