Whether you live in a city or a rural area, it can be nice to get so close to nature that it’s all around you. These 6 deep woods trails in Illinois will take you to the most gorgeous parts of the state where where trees, rocks, and wildlife are above and below.
As state grows more and more green, these trails are just going to get better. Keep this list handy so you can check them all out this year.
- Rim Rock Recreational Trail
Facebook/Illinois Ozarks Located in the town of Junction near the Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest is a 1.7-mile loop trail that maneuvers through rock formations and takes hikers down a set of stairs. Enjoy amazing wildlife and some of the best treebathing you’ll find in the whole state. Learn more about this trail here.
- Trail to Inspiration Point
Flickr/David Wilson Enjoy incredible views of the Mississippi River Valley and the Big Muddy bottomlands along this trail. This unique overlook has become popular over the years due to tales of epiphanies and inspiration coming from being there. Check it out for yourself with previous coverage here.
- Giant City Nature Trail
Flickr/David Wilson Known for its incredible rock formations, this Shawnee National Forest trail is one of the coolest places in the state. You won’t believe you’re still in Illinois when you visit. Learn more about this marvelous spot here.
- The Des Plaines River Trail
Wikimedia Commons/greglaskiewicz This is one of the longest deep woods trails in the state. It runs through both Lake and Cook counties. In all, it spans 133 miles and takes you along one of the most peaceful rivers. Get more details about these interconnecting trails here.
- Lowden-Miller River Loop
Wikimedia Commons/IvoShandor This journey of about five miles takes you right back to where you started. Along the way, though, hikers encounter stairs and rough terrain that place you right in the jungle of the Prairie State. Find out more about it here.
- Hike to Pomona Natural Bridge
Wikimedia Commons/Mrostrichman A short little loop trail through the Shawnee National Forest brings you to the most interesting natural attraction in the state. As far as deep woods trails go, this one brings you to the neatest treasure. Click here to learn more about this one-of-a-kind path.
For more natural oases in the Land of Lincoln, check out this list of 10 stunning country preserves in Illinois you’ll never forget.
Facebook/Illinois Ozarks
Located in the town of Junction near the Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest is a 1.7-mile loop trail that maneuvers through rock formations and takes hikers down a set of stairs. Enjoy amazing wildlife and some of the best treebathing you’ll find in the whole state. Learn more about this trail here.
Flickr/David Wilson
Enjoy incredible views of the Mississippi River Valley and the Big Muddy bottomlands along this trail. This unique overlook has become popular over the years due to tales of epiphanies and inspiration coming from being there. Check it out for yourself with previous coverage here.
Known for its incredible rock formations, this Shawnee National Forest trail is one of the coolest places in the state. You won’t believe you’re still in Illinois when you visit. Learn more about this marvelous spot here.
Wikimedia Commons/greglaskiewicz
This is one of the longest deep woods trails in the state. It runs through both Lake and Cook counties. In all, it spans 133 miles and takes you along one of the most peaceful rivers. Get more details about these interconnecting trails here.
Wikimedia Commons/IvoShandor
This journey of about five miles takes you right back to where you started. Along the way, though, hikers encounter stairs and rough terrain that place you right in the jungle of the Prairie State. Find out more about it here.
Wikimedia Commons/Mrostrichman
A short little loop trail through the Shawnee National Forest brings you to the most interesting natural attraction in the state. As far as deep woods trails go, this one brings you to the neatest treasure. Click here to learn more about this one-of-a-kind path.
What other deep woods trails do you love to recommend? Share your favorite places with us in the comments below.
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