The Marvelous 4.8-Mile Trail in Illinois Leads Adventurers to a Little-Known Scenic Overlook

What I like the most about Fox Ridge State Park is that it’s one of the least-visited state parks in Illinois. But don’t let that fool you, the park is filled with tons of adventure. If you’re looking for a scenic Illinois hiking trail (or trails, depending on how you approach it), you can’t do much better than this Fox Ridge State Park loop trail in Illinois, which combines several shorter trails into a 4.8-mile trek. Download AllTrails+ (you’ll need it!) and come with me on this trek to explore this adventurous trail in Charleston, Illinois. 

At just over 2,000 acres, Fox Ridge State Park is relatively small when compared to other parks in the system. It also receives fewer visitors, which means you're likely to find its eight miles of rugged trails uncrowded. The park is home to nine named trails, and if you combine about half of them, you can put together a 4.8-mile loop hike through the best of the park's scenery.

Fox Ridge is also home to abundant wildlife, such as raccoons, white-tailed deer, hawks, owls, wild turkeys, and, obviously, the namesake fox. I recommend that you keep your eyes peeled and have your camera in hand; you never know what wildlife you’ll encounter on your trek.

The scenic Embarras River, which you'll see from certain points on the trail, runs through the park. You'll start out your hike on the Trail of Trees, the trailhead closest to the Ball Diamond Parking Area.

Then you'll take Acorn Avenue to the Nature's Corner Trail. As you explore the Nature's Corner portion of the loop, you won't want to miss the stunning Eagle's Nest Overlook. However, be prepared for a bit of a climb — you'll need to ascend more than 140 stairs to reach the observation deck. But once you're there, the breathtaking view will make it all worthwhile.

Enjoy the picturesque views of the Embarras River valley, the bluffs, and bottomlands that line it. From there, you'll finish your hike along the No-Name Trail Loop, reconnect with Acorn Avenue, and head back to the ball diamond. The whole route should take about 90 minutes.

You'll just love a jaunt around this less-than-five-mile loop. Have you hiked the Fox Ridge State Park loop trail in Illinois? I love the idea of spotting some wildlife along the trail - how about you?

If you're taking a road trip to Fox Ridge State Park and planning to spend the night in the area, be sure to check out this lovely A-Frame vacation rental! And if you’re looking to explore more of the least-visited parks in the Land of Lincoln, check out 7 Of Illinois' Least-Visited State Parks — some of the scenic Illinois hiking trails at these parks are among the best hikes in Illinois. For even more inspiration, take a look at our natural wonders road trip through Illinois and prepare to be amazed!