6 Under The Radar Chicago Area Hiking Trails

 

Chicago area hiking lists often include familiar names -- stunning preserves that everyone visits. However, the Chicago region offers hundreds of hiking opportunities highlighting an incredible array of habitats that introduce a range of flora and fauna while offering unique adventures weekend after weekend. Enjoy these 6 Chicago area hiking locations that may not be on your radar:

--Enjoy These Top Northern Illinois Hiking Trails for All Levels--

Skokie River Nature Preserve: Skokie River Nature Preserve is the oldest preserve owned and maintained by Lake Forest Openlands. This preserve holds a rare remnant of the Illinois prairie. Other habitats include woodlands, oak savanna, and sedge meadow. The preserve is exceptionally beautiful with a bonus--a swinging bridge!

Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve: Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve easily captivates nature lovers with beautiful ravine views. While the forest preserve may be smaller in size, the dense woodlands, ravine system, and Fox River views at the St. Charles preserve delight.

Sun dances through the leaves projecting onto the ravine floor
at Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve.

Shoe Factory Road Prairie: This parcel of the Arthur L. Janura Preserve in Hoffman Estates features a rare remnant of the Illinois prairie and a rolling kame. As you walk the kame composed of gravel deposited by a retreating glacier, you are enveloped by two pieces of Illinois history: the glacial age and the raw Illinois prairie. During the late summer, prairie wildflowers paint a stunning picture at Shoe Factory Road Prairie.

Lyons Forest Preserve: Hiking trails cross hilly terrain, dazzling ravines, open prairie and ambling creeks all nestled under a symphony of trees.  Lyons Forest Preserve in Yorkville certainly offers an enchanting hiking location. One of the parking lots is small and pretty hidden definitely presenting a subtle clue to the amazing adventure hikers are about to embark on!

Turtles basking in the sun at Stickney Run Conservation Area

Stickney Run Conservation Area: At Stickney Run Conservation Area, you will enjoy a serene lake view, rolling trails, wetlands, and woodlands. Situated near the Fox River to the west, Stickney Run offers a quieter McHenry County hiking destination. Inside the preserve is a small family cemetery representing a slice of McHenry county history.

Fox River Forest Preserve: Located along the Fox River in Port Barrington, Fox River Forest Preserve offers 3 miles of trails with wonderful river views. The wetlands and oak savannas provide great
habitats for a range of birds. A large heron and egret rookery is present. Fox River Forest Preserve is definitely a premier Fox River bird watching spot! Additionally, a marina and the modestly rolling landscape add charm to the experience.