Starved Rock State Park can be absolutely packed. Yes, it is hiking season, and everyone is ready to get out and enjoy nature. Sometimes you don't have a ton of time, or you have limited abilities. But don't worry; you can still go on some of the best hikes in Illinois. Here are our 11 favorite places to go.

1. Starved Rock State Park

You can hike for as long or as little as you want to at Starved Rock--it's truly a choose your own adventure. There are canyons, waterfalls (hurry!), and awesome views of the Illinois River. Because you get to choose how long you walk, this is a great kid-friendly hike in Illinois.

Read more about Starved Rock State Park.

2. Garden of the Gods

The trail going around the main observation area is around a third of a mile. There are other trails that take you further around the grounds.

Learn more about Garden of the Gods.

3. Illinois Beach State Park

This state park offers 6.5 miles of Lake Michigan shores for you to enjoy. Whether you want to hike it all or just take a relaxing walk over part is totally up to you. Enjoy every minute- this is one of the most scenic hikes in Illinois!

Check out more about Illinois Beach State Park.

4. Matthiessen State Park

This beautiful state park will surprise you, as it has gorgeous canyons and waterfalls just like its sister park to the north (Starved Rock). Enjoy bridges, streams, and even prairie.

Find out more about Matthiessen State Park.

5. Lowden State Park

This gorgeous state park is located along the stunning Rock River. People come here to see Black Hawk (featured). It is the second tallest monolithic statue in the world.

See more about Lowden State Park.

6. Hennepin Canal

The Hennepin Canal is an abandoned waterway between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The towpath is 150 miles with locks along the way, so you can enjoy as much or as little as you want.

Read more about Hennepin Canal.

7. Mississippi Palisades State Park

These incredible views are brought to you courtesy of the Mississippi and Apple Rivers. We bet you'll agree that this park features some of the best hikes in Illinois. There are 15 total miles of trails which are broken into many more manageable small portions (ranging from one to three miles).

Learn more about Mississippi Palisades State Park.

8. Castle Rock State Park

The rolling topography of Castle Rock is awesome. Interesting rock formations and ravines make this a place you will want to explore, whether you only have a couple of hours or all day.

Check out more about Castle Rock State Park.

9. Lake Le-Aqua-Na

With a 40-acre lake and 715 acres to explore, there is plenty to do in an afternoon, including some of the best hikes in Illinois. You can walk through the winding hills or stay by the lake--it's totally up to you!

Find out more about Lake Le-Aqua-Na.

10. Tunnel Hill State Trail

There are 45 miles of trail here, with multiple access points. But one of the best hikes you can make is from Karnak to the Cache River State Natural Area. Vienna, IL.

See more about Tunnel Hill State Trail.

11. Ferne Clyffe State Park

Unusual ferns and bizarre rock formations will cause you to take lots of photos. The best "bang for your buck" is the Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail, which is approximately 2 miles round trip. As it's not too long, this makes for a great easy hike in Illinois.

Read more about the Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail.

Where is your favorite place to take a short hike? What do you think are the best hiking trails in Illinois? Let us know in the comments section. Ready for more fun? We suggest checking out All Trails Plus.