Hiking the many trails around the Prairie State is a great thing, but hiking with a view, well, that’s even better! And with a state that’s filled with lakes, from the largest like Lake Michigan to numerous smaller ones, we are lucky to have plenty of trails with lake views to choose from. Here are seven of the best hiking trails in Illinois that will lead to spectacular lake views:
- Morton Arboretum and Big Rock Trail
Paul Carver/AllTrails If you’ve been to Morton Arboretum in the past, you know how stunningly beautiful it is. But if it’s your first time, prepare to be blown away as you ooh and aah over the scenery. This 1,700-acre botanical garden and outdoor tree museum has numerous hiking trails, but if you want lake views, take a trek along the 5.9-mile Morton Arboretum and Big Rock Trail. This loop trail will lead you past the serene Meadow Lake. Visit AllTrails for trail information. 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
- Watershed Pond Loop, Watershed Nature Center
Anthony Brasel/AllTrails Take an easy and accessible 1.4-mile loop trail at the 40-acre Watershed Nature Center. Good for most strollers and wheelchairs, this paved trail leads through the wetlands where you can get up close and personal with nature and gorgeous views. Read this post for more information on the Watershed Pond Loop. 1591 Tower Ave, Edwardsville, IL 62025, USA
- Hastings Lake Loop, Hastings Lake Forest Preserve
Mark Yankee/AllTrails Take a loop around the 80-acre Hastings Lake where you can take in plenty of wildlife views and go fishing if you’d like. The paved asphalt and boardwalk trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Visit AllTrails for trail information. Hastings Lake, Lake Villa Township, IL 60046, USA
- Fort Sheridan Loop Trail
Linda Schuetz/AllTrails Found within Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, this stunning loop trail leads hikers past historic sites and then to the pristine shores of Lake Michigan. Spend some time on the beach before walking back to the trailhead. Read this post for more information on the Fort Sheridan Loop Trail.
- Whalon Lake Loop
Tim Gattone/AllTrails The Whalon Lake Loop trail is a paved, multi-use trail that circumnavigates Whalon Lake. It also connects to the longer DuPage River Trail. It’s a lovely lake with gorgeous views, and quite stunning at sunset. Visit AllTrails for trail information. Whalon Lake, Bolingbrook, IL 60565, USA
- Silver Lake Trail
Doug Marrs/AllTrails Take the four-mile out-and-back Silver Lake Trail through the woods and to the shores of the picturesque silver lake. The trail is easy and also a perfect way to see wildlife, numerous bird species, and wildflowers in the spring and summer. Visit AllTrails for trail information. Silver Lake Road, Silver Lake Rd, Highland, IL 62249, USA
- General Dacey Lake Shelbyville Trail
George Henshaw/AllTrails While this loop trail is 6.8 miles long, you don’t have to hike the whole way for incredible views of Lake Shelbyville. This hike is such a serene escape into nature that you will absolutely love. Visit AllTrails for trail information. Shelbyville Dam West Access Area, Shelbyville, IL 62565, USA
Paul Carver/AllTrails
If you’ve been to Morton Arboretum in the past, you know how stunningly beautiful it is. But if it’s your first time, prepare to be blown away as you ooh and aah over the scenery. This 1,700-acre botanical garden and outdoor tree museum has numerous hiking trails, but if you want lake views, take a trek along the 5.9-mile Morton Arboretum and Big Rock Trail. This loop trail will lead you past the serene Meadow Lake. Visit AllTrails for trail information.
4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
Anthony Brasel/AllTrails
Take an easy and accessible 1.4-mile loop trail at the 40-acre Watershed Nature Center. Good for most strollers and wheelchairs, this paved trail leads through the wetlands where you can get up close and personal with nature and gorgeous views. Read this post for more information on the Watershed Pond Loop.
1591 Tower Ave, Edwardsville, IL 62025, USA
Mark Yankee/AllTrails
Take a loop around the 80-acre Hastings Lake where you can take in plenty of wildlife views and go fishing if you’d like. The paved asphalt and boardwalk trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. Visit AllTrails for trail information.
Hastings Lake, Lake Villa Township, IL 60046, USA
Linda Schuetz/AllTrails
Found within Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, this stunning loop trail leads hikers past historic sites and then to the pristine shores of Lake Michigan. Spend some time on the beach before walking back to the trailhead. Read this post for more information on the Fort Sheridan Loop Trail.
Tim Gattone/AllTrails
The Whalon Lake Loop trail is a paved, multi-use trail that circumnavigates Whalon Lake. It also connects to the longer DuPage River Trail. It’s a lovely lake with gorgeous views, and quite stunning at sunset. Visit AllTrails for trail information.
Whalon Lake, Bolingbrook, IL 60565, USA
Doug Marrs/AllTrails
Take the four-mile out-and-back Silver Lake Trail through the woods and to the shores of the picturesque silver lake. The trail is easy and also a perfect way to see wildlife, numerous bird species, and wildflowers in the spring and summer. Visit AllTrails for trail information.
Silver Lake Road, Silver Lake Rd, Highland, IL 62249, USA
George Henshaw/AllTrails
While this loop trail is 6.8 miles long, you don’t have to hike the whole way for incredible views of Lake Shelbyville. This hike is such a serene escape into nature that you will absolutely love. Visit AllTrails for trail information.
Shelbyville Dam West Access Area, Shelbyville, IL 62565, USA
Have you hiked along any of these best hiking trails in Illinois before? What are your favorite hikes that offer spectacular views? Tell us in the comments!
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