The Little Known Hiking Path at Comlara Park, Illinois, is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

Nestled in McLean, Illinois, is a little town park that outdoor enthusiasts love. It's not overly large or overwhelming; it's a reasonable size, and in many cases, it's some folks' only opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors for a bit. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can be difficult to quiet the noise within - but here, it's entirely possible.

The park is still and peaceful, especially in the early morning and during the week. Here, you'll find a little trail known as the Trail 4 and Fisherman's Trail. It's just under four miles long, and should you not take any stops along the way (but why, though?), it ought to take about an hour and a half. It's beautiful year-round, but I think it makes a particularly wonderful first-of-the-year hike. Of all the options for winter hikes in Illinois, this one might be my all-time fave just for the peace of it all.

Rated as moderately challenging, this hike involves a little bit of ankle grease (get it? Instead of elbow grease? ...okay, I'll show myself out), but every step is worth it. Some of the challenges include ice in some areas and, during the late winter and early spring when snowmelt occurs, mud can be a bit of a bummer. But, if you plan accordingly and know what to expect, you can swing it.

One of the most notable parts of the hike is Evergreen Lake, one of the best lesser-known lakes in Illinois. This hike is more than just a little-known hiking path; it's an adventure—albeit an urban one. But that's alright: who says one needs to be in the wilderness to connect with the outdoors? I sure don't.

Another of my favorite things about this trail is its well-marked and well-maintained nature. It's easy to follow, even when covered in a layer of snow (which is beautiful, by the way), and the views of the lake combined with the well-maintained nature of the trek make for quite a peaceful outing for a winter's day.

Winter in Illinois might be a frigid, snowy time of year, but once you know where to look, you'll find that it's just as vibrant and fun a season as its three counterparts. I'm a big proponent of "bloom where you're planted," and wintertime in the Midwest is a great way to live that phrase.

For more information about this awesome little-known hiking path in Illinois, check out its official AllTrails listing. If you'd like to hook yourself up with one of the best tools for hiking in the modern age, check out AllTrails Plus. It's outrageously helpful, and I don't know what I did before getting it! Curious about what might be in store for this winter? Check out the official Farmer's Almanac predictions for Illinois this winter.