Most of us love getting out and exploring nature, but when you’re trying to balance out enjoying the wilderness versus work and family responsibilities, it’s sometimes hard to make time to hike a long trail. There are tons of long trails in Illinois that are certainly worth the effort and time it takes to journey through them, but sometimes you just want something a little less strenuous. If you’re looking for shorter trails in the Land of Lincoln that won’t take all day, or trails that you can easily divide into smaller portions, check out these five low-key hikes in Illinois. Each is relatively short (or can be made short via access points throughout), but has something special that will still make it worth the walk. Whether you like short excursions, historic treks, or just enjoy taking a scenic stroll, this list is sure to have something for you. Check it out:
Most of us love getting out and exploring nature, but when you’re trying to balance out enjoying the wilderness versus work and family responsibilities, it’s sometimes hard to make time to hike a long trail. There are tons of long trails in Illinois that are certainly worth the effort and time it takes to journey through them, but sometimes you just want something a little less strenuous. If you’re looking for shorter trails in the Land of Lincoln that won’t take all day, or trails that you can easily divide into smaller portions, check out these five low-key hikes in Illinois. Each is relatively short (or can be made short via access points throughout), but has something special that will still make it worth the walk. Whether you like short excursions, historic treks, or just enjoy taking a scenic stroll, this list is sure to have something for you. Check it out:
- The Constitution Trail: Bloomington, IL
AllTrails/Erik Boling This one is such a neat trail! Note that the entire trail is 45 miles in length, but it’s designed so that there are plenty of entry and exit points throughout. You are welcome to take a short leg of the journey instead of trekking through the whole trail. The Constitution Trail connects the cities of Bloomington and Normal in central Illinois. It meanders through parks and neighborhoods. Constitution Trail, Bloomington, IL, USA
AllTrails/Erik Boling It’s a popular spot for bikers and has been in existence for more than 30 years. It consists of eight paved pathways that are sprinkled wtih picnic tables, restroom areas, shelters, benches, and trash cans throughout. This is such a gem for hikers and bikers alike.
- Lincoln Prairie Trails: Pana, IL
Facebook/Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy This nearly 15-mile trail connects the towns of Pana and Taylorville. Despite its length, it’s fairly easy, and is ideal for walking, running, and biking. Lincoln Prairie Trail (Lincoln Heritage Trail), Pana, IL, USA
Facebook/Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy It’s a historic trail, as it marks the path Abraham Lincoln took during his years traveling the 8th Judicial Circuit as an attorney. Learn more about the most historic of Illinois’ low-key hikes in our detailed article.
- The Des Plaines River Forest Trail: Lake/Cook Counties, IL
Wikimedia Commons/greglaskiewicz The Des Plaines River is a 133-mile long waterway that has many trails following alongside of it. The trails are interconnecting paths that run through park districts, towns, and neighborhoods. Des Plaines River Trail, Chicago, IL, USA
Facebook/River Trail Nature Center This is a great option for those looking to view wildlife. It’s a fabulous hike at any time of year. There’s something special about hiking alongside a river.
- The Illinois Prairie Path: Maywood, IL
Flickr/Daniel X. O’Neil This is North America’s first successful rails-to-trail conversion. The pathway was built in 1963 over an abandoned rail line that was no longer in service. The entire hike is 61 miles, though there are plenty of entry points so you can take it in small chunks. Illinois Prairie Path, Maywood, IL, USA
Flickr/Oak Park Cycle Club This scenic hike in Illinois runs through neighborhoods, forests, wetlands, and prairies. There are bridges that will take you right over the Des Plaines River. This is one of our favorite historic trails in the state.
- Rocky Bluff Trail: Tacoma Lake Rd, Makanda, IL 62958
Google/Annie Copeland Looking for a shorter and sweeter hike? This little path to a gorgeous waterfall is perfect for all ages. It’s one of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in Illinois. Rocky Bluff Trail, Rocky Blf Trl, Grassy, IL 62902, USA
Google/Chris Penley This is a great option year-round. Depending on when you visit, you’ll see different natural attractions: fall foliage, wildflowers, various kinds of wildlife… this is such a pretty and easy hike.
For more great hikes in Illinois like this, check out 11 short and easy hikes in Illinois everyone should take.
AllTrails/Erik Boling
This one is such a neat trail! Note that the entire trail is 45 miles in length, but it’s designed so that there are plenty of entry and exit points throughout. You are welcome to take a short leg of the journey instead of trekking through the whole trail. The Constitution Trail connects the cities of Bloomington and Normal in central Illinois. It meanders through parks and neighborhoods.
Constitution Trail, Bloomington, IL, USA
It’s a popular spot for bikers and has been in existence for more than 30 years. It consists of eight paved pathways that are sprinkled wtih picnic tables, restroom areas, shelters, benches, and trash cans throughout. This is such a gem for hikers and bikers alike.
Facebook/Lincoln Prairie Trails Conservancy
This nearly 15-mile trail connects the towns of Pana and Taylorville. Despite its length, it’s fairly easy, and is ideal for walking, running, and biking.
Lincoln Prairie Trail (Lincoln Heritage Trail), Pana, IL, USA
It’s a historic trail, as it marks the path Abraham Lincoln took during his years traveling the 8th Judicial Circuit as an attorney. Learn more about the most historic of Illinois’ low-key hikes in our detailed article.
Wikimedia Commons/greglaskiewicz
The Des Plaines River is a 133-mile long waterway that has many trails following alongside of it. The trails are interconnecting paths that run through park districts, towns, and neighborhoods.
Des Plaines River Trail, Chicago, IL, USA
Facebook/River Trail Nature Center
This is a great option for those looking to view wildlife. It’s a fabulous hike at any time of year. There’s something special about hiking alongside a river.
Flickr/Daniel X. O’Neil
This is North America’s first successful rails-to-trail conversion. The pathway was built in 1963 over an abandoned rail line that was no longer in service. The entire hike is 61 miles, though there are plenty of entry points so you can take it in small chunks.
Illinois Prairie Path, Maywood, IL, USA
Flickr/Oak Park Cycle Club
This scenic hike in Illinois runs through neighborhoods, forests, wetlands, and prairies. There are bridges that will take you right over the Des Plaines River. This is one of our favorite historic trails in the state.
Google/Annie Copeland
Looking for a shorter and sweeter hike? This little path to a gorgeous waterfall is perfect for all ages. It’s one of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in Illinois.
Rocky Bluff Trail, Rocky Blf Trl, Grassy, IL 62902, USA
Google/Chris Penley
This is a great option year-round. Depending on when you visit, you’ll see different natural attractions: fall foliage, wildflowers, various kinds of wildlife… this is such a pretty and easy hike.
What other low-key hikes in Illinois do you enjoy? Share your favorites with us in the comments.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking Trails Near Me In Illinois March 10, 2022 Lisa Sammons Are there more kid-friendly hikes in Illinois? It can be tough to find easier, shorter trails sometimes. It often seems like hikers only care about lengthy journeys! But not to worry, there are plenty of short hikes in Illinois you can enjoy. Here are some of our favorites, and the best part is they are all under three miles! What are the best parks in Illinois for hiking? We don’t know about you, but a hike on the beach is pretty amazing. Illinois Beach State Park offers a great trail that follows right along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The scenery is incredible! What are the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Illinois? We love Starved Rock State Park. The waterfalls there are beautiful at any time of year, but they’re especially lovely in the winter when frozen over.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking Trails Near Me In Illinois
March 10, 2022
Lisa Sammons
Are there more kid-friendly hikes in Illinois? It can be tough to find easier, shorter trails sometimes. It often seems like hikers only care about lengthy journeys! But not to worry, there are plenty of short hikes in Illinois you can enjoy. Here are some of our favorites, and the best part is they are all under three miles! What are the best parks in Illinois for hiking? We don’t know about you, but a hike on the beach is pretty amazing. Illinois Beach State Park offers a great trail that follows right along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The scenery is incredible! What are the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Illinois? We love Starved Rock State Park. The waterfalls there are beautiful at any time of year, but they’re especially lovely in the winter when frozen over.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It can be tough to find easier, shorter trails sometimes. It often seems like hikers only care about lengthy journeys! But not to worry, there are plenty of short hikes in Illinois you can enjoy. Here are some of our favorites, and the best part is they are all under three miles!
What are the best parks in Illinois for hiking?
We don’t know about you, but a hike on the beach is pretty amazing. Illinois Beach State Park offers a great trail that follows right along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The scenery is incredible!
What are the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Illinois?
We love Starved Rock State Park. The waterfalls there are beautiful at any time of year, but they’re especially lovely in the winter when frozen over.
