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Best Places for Fall Hikes in the Chicago Area
As the leaves begin to change color and the weather gets cooler, hiking is the perfect activity to enjoy the best of fall. Chicago is lucky to have many beautiful nature trails nearby.
As a mom and professional, a walk helps to clear my head. So, I am always looking for the best hikes near me.
Ready to surround yourself in the beauty of the fall season and crisp autumn air? Try one of the best fall hikes near Chicago.
Beginner Trails
1. Morton Arboretum (Lisle, IL)
- Distance: Varies, over 16 miles of trails.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why it’s great for beginners: A perfect spot for fall foliage, the Morton Arboretum has easy, well-marked trails that are suitable for all ages. You’ll be treated to stunning views of oak forests, native plants, and peaceful ponds.
2. Des Plaines River Trail (Lake County)
- Distance: Varies, but the entire trail stretches 31 miles.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why it’s great for beginners: This well-maintained, flat trail winds through forest preserves and follows the Des Plaines River. It is ideal for a peaceful walk with views of fall foliage and occasional sightings of wildlife like white-tailed deer. The trail is also wide and perfect for families and has multiple parking areas for easy access.
3. Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve (Will County)
- Distance: 2-4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why it’s great for beginners: With short loops through dense forests, this trail is a great introduction to hiking. The two-mile loop offers a quiet escape and beautiful views of oak trees and other native plants during the fall season.
4. Chicago Lakefront (Chicago, IL)
- Distance: 18.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why it’s great for beginners: Hikes don’t have to be limited to the woods. On the lakefront, you’ll see the fall foliage, scenic overlooks, and panoramic views that make autumn hikes near the Windy City. It’s a must-do for outdoor lovers.
5. 606 Trail (Chicago, IL)
- Distance: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why it’s great for beginners: This multi-use trail is flat with no elevation. It’s great for beginner walkers or bikers who want a casual, flat trail within the city. It’s also good for joggers, in-line skaters, and strollers if you have kids in tow.
The 606 is a trail through the neighborhoods west of the river. There are multiple points of entrance and exit making it easy to start or end your hike. You can also find restaurants nearby at select exits.
6. Champaign County Forest Preserve District (Champaign County, IL)
- Distance: 1 – 3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why it’s great for beginners: These forest preserves offer a variety of short, well-marked trails with minimal elevation changes. They are great for casual hikers or families who want to enjoy nature without strenuous activity.
This forest preserve is located 140 miles southwest of Chicago and has more than 3,800 acres of natural space. There are drinking fountains and restrooms, so be sure to bring water bottles to stay hydrated. This is a great trail to see the colors changing! The Covered Bridge at Lake of the Woods is a nice photo spot.
7. Hidden Lake Forest Preserve (DuPage County, IL)
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why it’s great for beginners: Hidden Lake has a short, flat trail that loops around the lakes and through a mix of forest and open space. This is ideal for beginners or those looking for a peaceful, scenic walk.
The Hidden Lake Forest Preserve is only about 25 miles from Chicago and has over 390 acres of nature. This preserve is great for a stroll, fishing, or a picnic. This forest preserve is a great destination for hikers, joggers, birders and other wildlife watchers.
Capture stunning photographs of nature’s beauty as you traverse the photogenic trails on the captivating hikes near Chicago.
8. North Branch Trail (Cook County, IL)
- Distance: 20 miles (can be broken into shorter sections)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why it’s great for beginners: The trail is mostly paved, running through forest preserves along the Chicago River. Its flat terrain makes it perfect for walking or biking, with easy access points along the way.
This trail is only about 25 miles from downtown and there are a lot of bikers and rollerbladers on the trail. It is a popular path for hikers during summer. It’s especially nice in the warmer season because the paved trails are next to the river.
If you access the trail from 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe (and have extra time), you can visit the Chicago Botanic Garden for more time amongst nature.
9. North Park Village Nature Center (Chicago, IL)
Drive Time: 45 min northwest
The nature center is 12 miles from the Chicago loop. It is filled with awesome dioramas of local wildlife and terrain. While inside walking the trails and climbing the trees, it’s easy to forget you’re in a huge metropolitan city.
It’s a beautiful place, lush and quiet with striking lily pads and vibrant color. In winter, North Park is nice for walking snow-covered trails in boots, and it is incredibly peaceful and beautiful.
Intermediate Trails
10. Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)
- Distance: 3-5 miles (Trail 9 is a great option)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why it’s great for intermediate hikers: Located about an hour from Chicago, this trail offers a mix of forest and sand dunes, providing more variety in terrain. The elevation changes and steep inclines make it a step up from beginner trails, and the scenic overlooks provide breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.
Indiana Dunes National Park is has a mix of wooded hiking trails that take you through forests, sand dunes, and wetlands. Get your dose of fresh air and exercise as you traverse the invigorating hikes near Chicago, rejuvenating both body and mind.
11. Kettle Moraine State Park (Southern Wisconsin)
- Distance: 6-10 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why it’s great for intermediate hikers: With a mix of rolling hills, wooded hiking trails, and scenic overlooks, this trail offers a moderate challenge for those looking to up their hiking game. The Bluff Trail provides spectacular views of the fall landscape, and the forest is known for its dense forests and fall foliage.
Kettle Moraine State Park is 141 miles from Chicago and is home to two of the best mountain biking trails in the state. As with most or all state parks, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a 6-foot or less leash at all times.
Scuppernong Trail is a great system of a few hikes amongst the pines. The moderate path had some steep uphill and downhill points as well as rocks, gravel, and sand. You can get by with trail running shoes if you don’t have hiking shoes.
12. Matthiessen State Park (Oglesby, IL)
- Distance: 5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why it’s great for intermediate hikers: Matthiessen’s terrain includes canyons, waterfalls, and rock formations. The elevation changes and stairs, combined with the rugged paths, make it a great intermediate hike. Its scenic beauty, especially in the fall, is a bonus.
Matthiessen State Park is about 60 miles away from Chicago. The highlight of the park is the Devil’s Kitchen, a large ravine with interesting rock formations. The fall colors make this hike even more beautiful.
TIP: if you are planning a getaway, the rooms on holiday weekends book very fast!
13. Volo Blog State National Area (Lake County, IL)
- Distance: 2.8 miles (main loop)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why it’s great for intermediate hikers: This unique bog landscape offers a moderate hike with slightly challenging, sometimes muddy terrain. It’s a great hike for those interested in wetlands and wildlife, offering a chance to experience different ecosystems in one trail.
Volo Bog State Natural Area is about 60 miles from Chicago (a 2-hour drive). This wetland is one of only a few remaining bogs in Illinois and it’s a great place to see rare plant life. There are 3 miles of trails that take you through woodlands and wetlands. The autumnal colors make this hike very scenic.
14. Morgan-Monroe State Forest (Indiana)
- Distance: 10-mile Low Gap Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why it’s great for intermediate hikers: The Low Gap Trail offers rolling hills, creeks, and lush forests. The terrain includes a few steep inclines, but it’s manageable for intermediate hikers. It’s a scenic, moderately difficult hike with opportunities for wildlife viewing and fall foliage.
The forest is about a 4-hour drive from Chicago. The trail is rated rugged but not too difficult. Hiking poles will be your best help on trails like this. You might also want to bring a change of shoes and socks so that you don’t have to worry about getting your vehicle muddy. There are a ton of butterflies and wildflowers along the path but watch out for wildlife (snakes) in summer the season.
15. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve (DuPage County, IL)
- Distance: 9.5-mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why it’s great for intermediate hikers: This forest preserve offers a longer, looped trail that takes hikers through woodlands, prairies, and around a waterfall. The trail has gentle hills and is well-maintained, making it a great choice for intermediate hikers looking for a slightly longer trek.
Advanced Trails
16. Starved Rock State Park
- Distance: 13 miles of trails (can vary by chosen route)
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Why it’s great for advanced hikers: With steep stairs, rugged terrain, and long distances, Starved Rock’s trails are challenging, especially those leading to its famous canyons and waterfalls. The varying elevation and more remote sections are ideal for experienced hikers looking for a longer, scenic day hike.
Starved Rock State Park is about 2.5 hours’ drive and is one of the most popular hiking destinations from Chicago. With over 13 miles of trails, there’s a fitness level for everyone.
Discover hidden waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and enchanting wildlife habitats on the awe-inspiring hikes near Chicago.
The trails wind through canyons and lead to waterfalls and interesting rock formations. Fall is a great time to visit because of the changing leaves.
17. Shawnee National Forest
- Distance: 160 miles (entire River to River Trail), shorter sections like Garden of the Gods: 5.5 miles
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Why it’s great for advanced hikers: Shawnee offers challenging terrain with rocky paths, significant elevation changes, and long distances. Hikers can choose from shorter, strenuous hikes like Garden of the Gods, or tackle sections of the River to River Trail for a true wilderness adventure. Steep inclines, river crossings, and remote areas make this ideal for advanced hikers.
Family-Friendly Fall Hiking Spots
If you are looking for a relaxed hike that even the kiddies will love, consider Morton Arboretum and Shawnee National Forest, which offer miles of well-marked trails and educational resources like visitor centers. You can also find trails in the city that are ideal for first-time fall hikers or kids, such as Millennium Park, Garden of the Phoenix, and nature trails in Lake County.
Day Trip Fall Hikes
Some destinations are best enjoyed as an ideal day trip for fall hiking, such as Indiana Dunes State Park, Lake Geneva, and Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve. These hikes that offer a vantage point of the Mississippi River, Illinois River, or Chicago River for a mix of natural beauty and water views. And it’s a great way to be outdoors while staying close to the city since most trails are within a short drive from Chicago.
Map of Fall Hikes Near Chicago
Why Take a Hike
Finding hikes near Chicago are easy because there are plentiful parks and forests within reasonable distance. Hiking is a good thing to do in your past time for several reasons:
- Physical Fitness: Hiking is a great form of exercise that engages your entire body.
- Mental Well-being: Spending time in nature and disconnecting from the demands of daily life can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
- Connection with Nature: Hiking provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of natural surroundings.
- Exploration and Adventure: Hiking allows you to explore new trails, discover hidden gems, and embark on exciting adventures.
- Solitude and Reflection: Hiking also offers the opportunity for solitude and introspection.
- Escaping the Routine: Going on a hike breaks the monotony of daily routines and offers a change of scenery.
- Adventure and Fun: Above all, hiking is an enjoyable and adventurous activity.
- Sense of Achievement: Reaching the summit or completing a challenging trail can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-confidence.
Tips for an Enjoyable Hike
- Check the latest information for trail conditions, especially after heavy rains.
- If hiking alone, make sure your family or friends know your plans.
- A good idea for first-time hikers is to start at a parking lot with a well-marked starting point and parking area, with clearly marked trails.
- Be aware of weather changes during the fall season and bring appropriate gear for potential cold fronts or heavy rains.
Final Thoughts on Best Fall Hikes Near Chicago
Fall season is the perfect time to explore the best fall hikes near Chicago. What better way to escape the city’s urban life and experience the beauty of Illinois nature preserves during the fall season?
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