The Illinois Trail With An Overlook You Just Can’t Beat

Living in the Chicago area, you might think more about the restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and neighborhoods than where the closest forest preserve is. Yet, even suburban communities have access to great parks, many of which have amazing hiking trails that will make you feel as if you've been transported to a completely other world. And one of those trails leads to the breathtaking Greene Valley Scenic Overlook in Illinois — an awe-inspiring destination hidden right in plain sight.

Greene Valley Forest Preserve is a 1,388-acre park in Naperville with 12 miles of marked trails, over 500 native plant species, more than 370 native animals, and an incredible 190-foot scenic overlook.

To access the overlook, parkgoers must first traverse Greene Valley Hill via the Hawk Trail, a 2.6-mile loop that surrounds the hill.

The trail is great for walking or cycling, and dogs with leashes less than 10 feet are allowed to venture along.

The overlook is open from May through October. At the top, you'll also find restroom facilities.

Far from the often flatlands of Northern Illinois, the Greene Valley Scenic Overlook offers some rare elevation in the area. The hill is a stunning 874 ft.

Located about 30 miles west of Chicago, a view from the top offers incredible sight lines to downtown, as well as miles of trees and suburban landscapes.

It's a popular place for sunrises, sunsets, and eclipses.

At night, the overlook surpasses the orange glow the Chicago area is known for and cuts through straight to a dark sky filled with stars.

So, would you add the Greene Valley Scenic Overlook in Illinois to your bucket list? Have you ever visited it before? What's your favorite trail in Illinois? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County website and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Facebook page. Make the overlook a stop along the way while spending a day in Naperville, a perfect day trip destination near Chicago!