There’s a boardwalk trail in Illinois that is so beautiful, you’ll want to visit it time and again. Tucked away in a little-known natural area, this intriguing hike is perfect for the summer. If you want somewhere unique to spend your outside time, look no further than this excellent place. Check it out:
Volo Bog State Natural Area is located between the towns of Volo and Fox Lake in Lake County in the northeast corner of the state. It is a 1,150-acre wetland that was named a National Natural Landmark in 1973.
Google/M Neely
The bog was created by a large glacier that melted to form a lake, but about 6,000 years ago, green moss began to surface and transform the lake into a bog. Today, it spans 47.5 acres in total.
Google/Jim Harrer Part of the reason this bog has been protected is for the educational opportunities it offers. This natural area is a wonderful space for the study of plant succession, which is how environments change over time.
Within these many acres is the Volo Bog Interpretive Trail, which is a 3.7-mile loop that crosses marshes, prairies, forests, and old fields.
Flickr/Justin Meissen
All sorts of growth are encountered here. In addition to moss, which is dead plant matter, you may find leatherleaf, orchids, coniferous tamarack trees, and other things that survive in acidic water.
AllTrails/Patrick Patrick Randall
The boardwalk trail is about half a mile and is elevated, while the rest of the path is on the ground and takes up the remaining 2.75 miles of the loop.
Google/Brian Woolman
There is also an observation deck along the Volo Bog Interpretive Trail that lets you see across many acres of this historic wetland. Get that camera ready!
AllTrails/Adam J
Explore a unique area that few know about when you visit the Volo Bog State Natural Area. You’ll never forget a hike along this astounding boardwalk trail.
Google/Ryan hink
Find more amazing trails like this in Illinois here.
Google/M Neely
Google/Jim Harrer
Part of the reason this bog has been protected is for the educational opportunities it offers. This natural area is a wonderful space for the study of plant succession, which is how environments change over time.
Flickr/Justin Meissen
AllTrails/Patrick Patrick Randall
Google/Brian Woolman
AllTrails/Adam J
Google/Ryan hink
Have you ever hiked this boardwalk trail? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below.
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