12 Best Chicago Area Hiking Trails for 2024

Top Hiking Trails in the Chicago Suburbs to Explore 

I know many of you are starting to hit the trails this spring! I am sharing my favorite Chicago suburban hiking trails to check out this season:

1. Moraine Hills State Park: Located in McHenry, Moraine Hills State Park features some of my favorite landscape views in northern Illinois -- rolling moraines left by glaciers! A glacial lake and bog add to fantastic hiking opportunities in the preserve.

2. Deer Grove Forest Preserve: Some of my favorite natural and paved hiking trails are folded into Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine. Hikers will enjoy woodlands, wetlands, and prairie. On two occasions this year, I spotted a bald eagle!

3. Ryerson Conservation Area: Ryerson Conservation Area is one of the best birding preserves in the Chicago suburbs. Located in Riverwoods on the Des Plaines Rivers, a network of trails guides hikers through woodlands and wetlands.

4. Volo Bog State Natural Area: A great choice in all seasons, Volo Bog provides the opportunity to experience the only quaking bog in Illinois. The actual bog trail is pretty short, so be sure to explore the others for fantastic wetland, woodland, and grassland views.

5. Messenger Woods Nature Preserve: This cache of hiking trails in Homer Glen offers a wonderful woodland adventure for hikers. Be sure to also take in the views of  Spring Creek.

6. Silver Springs State Park: This hiking season, take an adventure to Silver Springs State Park in Yorkville to take in a beautiful natural spring. The preserve also includes Fox River views and woodland trails.

7. Fox Bluff Conservation Area: Rolling trails and rambling springs are highlights of this Cary forest preserve. Be on the lookout for mini-waterfalls!

8. Skokie River Nature Preserve: The Lake Forest preserve invites hikers to cross a swinging bridge! Trails explore woodlands and grasslands while traversing the river.

9. Glenview Woods Forest Preserve: This section of the larger Harms Woods contains some of my favorite trails and woodland scenery. A fabulous spot for birding!

10. Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve: This favorite Lake County preserve offers beautiful woodlands and Des Plaines River views.

11. Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve: Located in Oak Brook, Fullersburg Woods includes a range of trails along and traversing Salt Creek. Graue Mill adds a historic element to the preserve.

12. Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve: Tekakwitha Woods is a total gem with lovely ravines and Fox River views. The preserve is located in St. Charles.