Table of Contents. 15 Best Hikes In New York. Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail. The Appalachian Trail. Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail. Ausable Chasm. Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail. Prospect Mountain Trail. Sam’s Point Preserve and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail.Chicago Hiking. 330 Miles 532 Kilometers of Trail 6 Recommended Routes 58 Easy Trails ; 0 Intermediate Trails ; 0 Difficult Trails ; Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Share what you know about this area! Share Your Local Tips! Areas Within Chicago. Arie Crown Forest. 3 Trails. Dan Ryan Woods. 1 Trails ...Chicago is a bustling city with endless options for accommodations. However, finding affordable hotels in downtown Chicago can be a challenge. With so many options available, it’s ...Today’s top 46 Hiking jobs in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Leverage your professional network, and get hired. New Hiking jobs added daily.Hiking is a terrific way to spend time in the great outdoors and spend time with family and friends. Having the proper hiking boots will make the hike all that much more pleasurabl...The area around Chicago is full of stunning forest preserves, state parks, and scenic waterfront hiking trails along the Illinois River and Des Plaines …Hiking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to have the right gear. Shopping for hiking gear can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s i...Chicago: With an ascent of 3,874 ft, Chicago Outerbelt Route has the most elevation gain of all of the kid friendly trails in the area. The next highest ascent for kid-friendly trails is Chicago Lakefront Trail with 288 ft of elevation gain. Explore the most popular kid friendly trails near Chicago with hand-curated trail maps and …Welcome to the Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Meetup Group. We strive for adventures, fun, and friendships. This group is for people who enjoy hiking, being outdoors and meeting new people. We feature hikes for all skill levels, canoeing, camping, biking, social gatherings and other outdoor activities.Nov 19, 2021 ... Hikers, walkers and runners can enjoy over 100 miles of paved trails and over 200 miles of unpaved trails in the Forest Preserves. Hiking Web ...According to AllTrails.com, there are 105 camping trails in Illinois and the most popular is Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 2,276 community reviews. Ready to check out the best trails in Illinois for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities?Chicago is a bustling city with endless options for accommodations. However, finding affordable hotels in downtown Chicago can be a challenge. With so many options available, it’s ...Starved Rock is a choice destination for camping, hiking, kayaking, and white-water rafting, and after you're exhausted from a day of physical exertion, it's also got a place to hang your hat: the ...20 trails where Chicago-area hikers can enjoy nature, peace before winter sets in. There are hiking gems to be found within three hours of Chicago …Stay up to date on all of the events and shows happening in Chicago, including exhibits, concerts, sports games, festivals, art shows, lectures, and children's activities.Chicago: With an ascent of 288 ft, Chicago Lakefront Trail has the most elevation gain of all of the forest trails in the area. The next highest ascent for forest trails is Lakefront Trail: Jackson Park to Grant Park with 150 ft of elevation gain. Explore the most popular forest trails near Chicago with hand-curated trail maps and driving ...Chicago is this massive glittering city, but there is a ton of green space. It does live up to its nickname ‘City in a Garden.’” Welbers, who grew up in Central Illinois surrounded by beautiful second-growth forest, runs …Urban Outdoors — 13 Stunning Places to Go Hiking In and Near Chicago; Wapiti Travel — Hiking near Chicago: 22 great hikes you shouldn't miss; Matador Network — The 7 Best Hikes Near Chicago for Green Space, Wildlife, and Lakeside Views; Kev's Best — 5 …Skip to contentAug 8, 2019 · To get there: Take the Union Pacific/Northwest Line to Crystal Lake station which is a half-mile from the nature center and trailhead. Open in Google Maps. 5617 Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012 ... Best Trails for Hiking in Michigan: Tahquamenon-Clark Loop. Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The Tahquamenon-Clark Loop is in Tahquamenon Falls State Park near the aptly-named town of Paradise, MI. This 5.4-mile loop is part of a larger 13+ mile trail system and is the …Are you ready to take on an adventure, explore bountiful nature while hiking along the beautiful trails? Listed below are the 15 best trails for Hiking in Chicago that …First up is the Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Group Meetup. This group is the real deal for anyone wanting to explore the outdoors in the Chicagoland area. Whether you’re looking for a chill nature walk or a more intense backpacking adventure, this group has got your back. With over 31,000 members in their …1. Starved Rock State Park. Located on the south bank of the Illinois River in LaSalle County, Starved Rock offers 13 miles of well established trails winding through 18 canyons, with views of...Chicago is a city in Illinois. It is the third largest metropolitan area in the United States of America with a population of over 8 million people. Trying to get through Chicago can be a challenge, but with a little bit of luck and research, you may find yourself in a great hitchhiking spot.Chicago's answer to New York's High Line, the Bloomingdale Trail—a.k.a. The 606—is a nearly three-mile, elevated greenway running west and east on the city’s North Side.The 606 Trail (aka the Bloomingdale Trail) Length: 5.7 mile loop. Dogs: Yes, leashed. Difficulty: Easy. Location: Downtown, near Walsh Park. Technically, …Jan 2, 2023 · 1. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is known for its Rocky Glen waterfall and for some great hiking near Chicago. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Seaq68) Just a thirty-minute drive from Chicago, the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve offers plenty of stunning scenery. The preserve has become best known for its Rocky Glen ... Top 10 Best Hiking Shoes in Chicago, IL - March 2024 - Yelp - REI, Moosejaw, Rapha - Chicago, Independence, New Balance Lincoln Park, Fleet Feet, Alamo Shoes, The North Face Chicago, GearheadDeer Grove near Palatine. Trail Length: 5.6 mile loop. This 1,800-acre preserve is considered one of the best places to hike in Cook County and offers rolling hills, forests and wetland views. The easy trail is shared by hikers, bikers and equestrian users. Paths can be muddy and sloppy after it rains as portions of the path are in low areas.Surely a contender for one of the best state parks, and best metro trails, in all of Wisconsin. Seven Bridges is a great pet-friendly trail, and if you are visiting there are lots of great pet-friendly hotels in Milwaukee to choose from. 24. Holy Wisdom Nature Trail – Madison. Tenney Park bridge, Madison.Stroll around the Loop with a guide, discovering Chicago's lively food scene, on this small-group walking tour. Learn about the city's history and culinary heritage from your guide as you stop at favorite local eateries for tastings of four classic dishes. Sample signature bites such as deep-dish pizza. from. $89.00.REI Lincoln Park provides outdoor enthusiasts in the Lincoln Park, Illinois, area with top-brand gear and clothing for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, paddling, hiking and more. We’re a complete Lincoln Park-area bike shop, offering a full range of professional bike shop services to help keep you biking the streets and trails year-round.It also features a self-guided tour of the various structures. From the Joliet Iron and Metal Works, hikers can take the 7.57-mile Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail to the Centennial Trail in downtown Chicago. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, you can try hiking at Starved Rock State Park, located about an hour and a half west of Chicago.Apr 14, 2023 · Short answer: Chicago hiking trails offer diverse experiences, from Lakefront Trail's urban views to Palos Forest Preserve's rolling terrain. Other popular spots include Waterfall Glen and Deer Grove East. Make sure to check the trail conditions before heading out and follow all park rules for a safe and enjoyable experience. How to Find and Follow With such beautiful trails all around us, it’s no wonder so many people are getting outside to explore. But before you hit the trails, you need to make sure you have the right gear... Family Full Moon Hike. Register Now. Schaumburg Park District • Schaumburg, IL. Hiking. Highland Park. Whatever your passion; backpacking, day hiking or even hiking with your dog, find a hiking activity in Chicago, IL by choosing from one of our hiking events ... 11 Best Fall Color Hikes and 3 Scenic Overlooks Around Chicago. From a suburban scenic overlook so high that you can gaze at Chicago skyline to a basilica ...Stroll around the Loop with a guide, discovering Chicago's lively food scene, on this small-group walking tour. Learn about the city's history and culinary heritage from your guide as you stop at favorite local eateries for tastings of four classic dishes. Sample signature bites such as deep-dish pizza. from. $89.00.Answer 1 of 31: Where are places I can hike using metra or amtrak? I am thinking less than 2.5 hours (preferably 2) to get there, and cheap. We only plan to go for 1 day. We do not have a car, or a bike. I do not want to go to Indiana Dunes. Anyone with personal...Beer lovers and hiking enthusiasts, these 30 Chicago hikes are for you Each carefully selected hike leads you through a stunning natural landscape or ...Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and with nearly 3,300 miles of shoreline, there are endless opportunities to hike along the water in the state. Here are some of the best places to hike in Michigan where you’ll have water views. 10. Bond Falls Loop. Bond Falls Scenic Site, Trout Creek, MI 49967, USA.Nearest town: Baraboo. Difficulty: Moderate to hard. Distance: 14.7 miles. Elevation gain: 1922 feet. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail: Devil’s Lake Segment is a locally loved trail and one of my all-time favorite hikes in Wisconsin. It has climbs, it …Located in DuPage County, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a 2,500-acre preserve that features hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. A 9.5-mile loop trail provides a scenic view of the preserve’s waterfalls, oak woodlands, and prairies. Southwest Suburbs. 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, IL. Top 5 Hikes To Try Out Near Chicago for Beginners. 5. Starved Rock State Park. Opening Times: 9AM-4PM (Daily) Distance: 13 miles. Difficulty: Easy-Medium Range. Starved Rock State Park isn't directly in the center of Chicago, but is instead a 1 hour and 30-minute drive away. This incredibly large park has a total of 13 miles of trails to ... Chicago Lakefront Trail The Chicago Lakefront Trail is a multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Chicago! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Chicago Lakefront Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only.Chicago O’Hare (ORD) is one of two airports that serve the Chicagoland area. And beyond that, O’Hare has quickly grown into one of the busiest and most well-known airports in the w...Best Hiking Trails in Chicago, IL - 1. Schiller Woods, 2. Catherine Chevalier Woods, 3. LaBagh Woods, 4. Bloomingdale Trail Park, 5. Henry C. Palmisano Nature PAre you a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs? Do you want to stay up-to-date with the latest news, scores, and highlights from your favorite baseball team? Look no further than the offic...Apr 16, 2023 · 8 great hiking spots in and around Chicago. A frozen waterfall at Starved Rock State Park. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios. When the weather permits, Chicagoans come out of hibernation to enjoy hikes along the lakefront, through parks and along nature trails. Why it matters: Hikes are among the cheapest and healthiest ways to enjoy nature, friends and ... If you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking a rush of adrenaline and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, look no further than off-the-beaten-path hiking trai...Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and with nearly 3,300 miles of shoreline, there are endless opportunities to hike along the water in the state. Here are some of the best places to hike in Michigan where you’ll have water views. 10. Bond Falls Loop. Bond Falls Scenic Site, Trout Creek, MI 49967, USA.Bobby’s Bike Hike is conveniently located right in the middle of Chicago’s Lakefront Bike Path and offers a variety of bike rentals from traditional bike rentals to electric bike rentals. Other available bikes include comfort bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, tandem bicycles, child bikes, and biking equipment. Top 10 Best Hiking Stores in Chicago, IL - March 2024 - Yelp - REI, Moosejaw, Rapha - Chicago, The North Face Chicago, Patagonia Chicago - Fulton Market, Gearhead, Patagonia Chicago The Magnificent Mile, L.L.Bean, Wake-n-Bakery Epic sporting is a term that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It refers to sports and activities that are not only physically challenging but also ... Top 10 Best Hiking Stores in Chicago, IL - March 2024 - Yelp - REI, Moosejaw, Rapha - Chicago, The North Face Chicago, Patagonia Chicago - Fulton Market, Gearhead, Patagonia Chicago The Magnificent Mile, L.L.Bean, Wake-n-Bakery Are you looking for a way to get some exercise, enjoy nature, and escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Look no further than the hiking trails …The 10 Best Day-Trip Hikes. Forget the tent or hotel room. These destinations offer abundant natural beauty, from canyons and waterfalls to prairies and dunes, …Whether you like short and easy hikes or challenging trails, here is a downright list of the most scenic hikes in Bryce Canyon National Park where you are guaranteed to see breathtaking scenery.. There are other …Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a casual adventurer, having the right gear is essential for a successful camping or hiking trip. One online retailer that offers a wide rang...A first-class letter mailed through the U.S. Postal Service takes, on average, three days to go from Tennessee to Chicago, according to the USPS map server. The Postal Service does...Whether you live in Chicago or are just visiting, getting outside the city for some time with Mama Nature is always a good thing. When I moved here, I bought the book 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles and proceeded to work my way through nearly all of the hiking trails near Chicago. While Illinois is not known as an outdoor recreation paradise, there is some pretty …The University of Chicago Medicine is a world-renowned academic medical center located in the heart of Chicago. The Department of Cardiology at the University of Chicago Medicine i...If you’re new to hiking or looking for a relaxing walk with beautiful city views, check out these hikes in the heart of Chicago. Lincoln Park Trail. Length: …Best Day Hikes Near Chicago Starved Rock State Park Canyon Tour. The path is 12.3 miles from point to point and a 1.5-hour drive from town. Starved Rock State Park is the home of the greatest hiking in Illinois. Starved Rock is perhaps the gem of the Illinois State Parks system, and one of the best day hikes near Chicago. ...The Chicago Bears are a beloved football team with a dedicated fan base. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or simply looking to catch the excitement of an NFL game, watching the ...2. Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest, Observation Trail, Herod. Shawnee National Forest, Illinois 62985, USA. Flickr/Bill Rand. With this being one of the most popular places to hike in Illinois, it comes as no surprise that this is a crowd-pleaser for hikers and outdoorsy individuals alike.Stroll around the Loop with a guide, discovering Chicago's lively food scene, on this small-group walking tour. Learn about the city's history and culinary heritage from your guide as you stop at favorite local eateries for tastings of four classic dishes. Sample signature bites such as deep-dish pizza. from. $89.00.Updates to the Chicago Park District’s COVID-19 Response Plan. 6. Plan your visit. What was an abandoned rail line is now The 606! Its 2.7 miles of multi-use recreational trail and park is an alternative …It is a long but easy trail that is well-traveled by families, individuals, and their dogs. Available for walking, hiking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing with parking lots in several places throughout the trail. Conditions. Reviews (3218) Photos (2441) …Considered one of the famous spots for Hiking in Chicago, the Glacial Park Conservation is open all year round and welcomes hikers of all skill levels. Address: 6705 State Rte 31, Ringwood, IL 60072. Difficulty: Moderate. Distance: 60.9 miles, 1-hour 20 minutes drive to the trail. Top 10 Best Hiking Stores in Chicago, IL - March 2024 - Yelp - REI, Moosejaw, Rapha - Chicago, The North Face Chicago, Patagonia Chicago - Fulton Market, Gearhead, Patagonia Chicago The Magnificent Mile, L.L.Bean, Wake-n-Bakery Overview. The Lakefront Trail is a testament to the planners of Chicago, with over 18 miles of multi-use path that run through park space along the lake. The trail runs along Lake Shore Drive. There are dozens of parking lots and trail connections. It is therefore possible to do the whole trail all at once or break it up into countless …The River Trail, Bluff Trail, and Illinois Canyon Loop is a fun hike that provides a tour of most of the area. Dogs are allowed on leashes, but it gets really muddy after rain, so keep that in ...It also features a self-guided tour of the various structures. From the Joliet Iron and Metal Works, hikers can take the 7.57-mile Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail to the Centennial Trail in downtown Chicago. If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, you can try hiking at Starved Rock State Park, located about an hour and a half west of Chicago.Pokagon State Park. Under three hours from Chicago in Angola, Indiana, Pokagon State Park is one of Indiana’s oldest state parks and has over 70 tent and over 200 RV and trailer sites. Located ...Surely a contender for one of the best state parks, and best metro trails, in all of Wisconsin. Seven Bridges is a great pet-friendly trail, and if you are visiting there are lots of great pet-friendly hotels in Milwaukee to choose from. 24. Holy Wisdom Nature Trail – Madison. Tenney Park bridge, Madison.Apr 14, 2023 · Located in DuPage County, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a 2,500-acre preserve that features hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. A 9.5-mile loop trail provides a scenic view of the preserve’s waterfalls, oak woodlands, and prairies. Southwest Suburbs. 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, IL. Best Day Hikes Near Chicago Starved Rock State Park Canyon Tour. The path is 12.3 miles from point to point and a 1.5-hour drive from town. Starved Rock State Park is the home of the greatest hiking in Illinois. Starved Rock is perhaps the gem of the Illinois State Parks system, and one of the best day hikes near Chicago. ...The Chicago Bears have a rich history and a passionate fan base. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the team, watching their games live is an experience like no ot...Outdoor Activities Photos. 1,294. Top Outdoor Activities in Chicago: See reviews and photos of outdoor activities in Chicago, Illinois on Tripadvisor.Hiking events in Chicago, IL · Indiana Dunes Hike primary image · Love & Hiking Date For Couples (Self-Guided) - Chicago Area! · 2024 Fitness Factor Pro Hi... Continue up Needle Creek Trail (#504), 5-6 miles to Chicago Basin, 3000 ft ascent. Vallecito Creek Trail – Access from the southeast; total of 17.5miles. Start at Vallecito Creek Trail (#529), 8.5 miles to Johnson Creek, 2000 ft ascent. Note: On the Vallecito Trail, the third bridge (counting from the South) across Vallecito Creek is out due ... Skip to contentWaterfall Glen. Address: 9899-9877 S Cass Ave, Lemont. Skip this park’s 9-mile loop around Argonne National Laboratory and opt for the shorter trail to Rocky Glen Waterfall. Kids will love playing on the paved area around this tiny waterfall, the scenic overlook and finding hidden structures in the woods.Lakefront Trail – Chicago. For a dog friendly urban “hike” right in Chicago, the Lakefront Trail is your best choice. There are 18 miles of pathway to walk, jog, bike, or skate along the Lake Michigan shoreline. I love the stretch from Oak Street Beach (shown below) south to the museum campus, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline.Hiking › United States › Illinois › Backpacking. More photos (29,234) Best Backpacking Trails in Illinois. 5,955 Reviews. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Illinois with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.Sep 24, 2022 · Farther north, in Wisconsin, is Devil’s Lake State Park, about a three-hour drive from Chicago, which has 30 miles of hiking trails and 500-foot quartzite bluffs that overlook a 360-acre lake. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Put your boots on for Illinois hiking trails. Discover the best hiking in Illinois, with more than 100 great walks through parks, along waterways and railways.
Table of Contents. 15 Best Hikes In New York. Watkins Glen State Park Gorge Trail. The Appalachian Trail. Whiteface Mountain Summit Trail. Ausable Chasm. Letchworth State Park Gorge Trail. Prospect Mountain Trail. Sam’s Point Preserve and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail.. Prime audiobooks
The 10 Best Day-Trip Hikes. Forget the tent or hotel room. These destinations offer abundant natural beauty, from canyons and waterfalls to prairies and dunes, …Short answer: Chicago hiking trails offer diverse experiences, from Lakefront Trail's urban views to Palos Forest Preserve's rolling terrain. Other popular spots include Waterfall Glen and Deer Grove East. Make sure to check the trail conditions before heading out and follow all park rules for a safe and enjoyable …Deer Grove near Palatine. Trail Length: 5.6 mile loop. This 1,800-acre preserve is considered one of the best places to hike in Cook County and offers rolling hills, forests and wetland views. The easy trail is shared by hikers, bikers and equestrian users. Paths can be muddy and sloppy after it rains as portions of the path are in low areas.The North Branch Trail System connects Chicago to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, with trail loops through ecological restoration sites throughout. The system is paved, making it easy for walking, running and even biking. With multiple access points, the trail is an easy way to explore year-round. …5 PLACES FOR CHICAGO HIKING. Cowles Bog Trail. This one’s located at an hour’s drive away from Chicago and has a 4.7 mile route for all the hikers out there- all of it through the lakes, the ...Length: 1.7 mi • Est. 32m. Tucked into Lake County's most urban area is this island of green. A surprising array of birds, wildflowers, and landscapes are found here, and the amenities are clean, safe, and well-designed. The preserve offers 5 miles of trails for hiking, 4 miles of trails for bicycling and cross-country skiing, and a 1-mile ... 1. Swallow Cliff Woods. “It connects to a whole network of hiking trails, both at the top and bottom of the hill.” more. 2. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. “This hiking trail is great. Right off the highway and parking is plentiful.” more. 3. Garfield Park Conservatory. The trail around the lagoon in McKinley Park on Dec. 12, 2023. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago Hitting The Trails — And Local Breweries. I’m looking forward to taking a long walk in the middle of winter — preferably when there’s snow out — along the 312 RiverRun or a similar trail. Chicago: With an ascent of 288 ft, Chicago Lakefront Trail has the most elevation gain of all of the forest trails in the area. The next highest ascent for forest trails is Lakefront Trail: Jackson Park to Grant Park with 150 ft of elevation gain. Explore the most popular forest trails near Chicago with hand-curated trail maps and driving ... Waterfall Glen Trail. Experience this 9.3-mile loop trail near Willowbrook, Illinois. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 3 h 3 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March ... 5. Burnham Wildlife Corridor . Rose: The best part of the lake shore path with a parking lot.Large open areas with less people than other parts of the shore path. Thorn: Technically no pets in the corridor section of the lake path, north of the parking lot.However, there are lots of other areas to walk with dogs.Jan 2, 2023 · 1. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. The Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is known for its Rocky Glen waterfall and for some great hiking near Chicago. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Seaq68) Just a thirty-minute drive from Chicago, the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve offers plenty of stunning scenery. The preserve has become best known for its Rocky Glen ... Description. Book Synopsis. Beer lovers and hiking enthusiasts, these 30 Chicago hikes are for you! Each carefully selected hike leads you through a stunning ...Although you may be used to a ground-level ride or hike, Chicago’s nearly 3-mile Bloomingdale Trail, also known as The 606, is a more elevated experience—literally. Located near Wicker Park and running parallel with West North Avenue, the elevated trail provides views of urban buildings punctuated with native plantings.Beer lovers and hiking enthusiasts, these 30 Chicago hikes are for you Each carefully selected hike leads you through a stunning natural landscape or ...Michigan is a nature lover’s paradise, with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Michigan boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through its picturesque f...Chicago Backpackers is a club focused on wilderness backpacking - hiking self-sustained for consecutive days in a wilderness area carrying all necessary supplies in a backpack. We have three main areas of focus:\*Trip and event organization\* The group's volunteer organizers plan a variety of trips Top 5 Hikes To Try Out Near Chicago for Beginners. 5. Starved Rock State Park. Opening Times: 9AM-4PM (Daily) Distance: 13 miles. Difficulty: Easy-Medium Range. Starved Rock State Park isn't directly in the center of Chicago, but is instead a 1 hour and 30-minute drive away. This incredibly large park has a total of 13 miles of trails to ... Hard to beat a sunny Colorado day in Mount Evans Wilderness. The Chicago Lakes Trail is a delight from start to finish. The trail begins near the scenic and touristy Echo Lake and winds its way past Idaho Springs Reservoir, and eventually up to an old, bumpy forest service road. After a short time on the road, the trail enters the real ....