Hiking

When you're venturing out into cold and wintery conditions, it's crucial to have a good base layer. As your first layer of protection against cold…

If you’re one of those hikers or backpackers who puts away your outdoor gear for the winter, you really are missing out on one of the most…

A backpacking trip takes a little more planning during the winter. Colder weather calls for more specialized gear (gloves, ice axe, etc.) as well as…

Bummed that the summer hiking trails will soon be covered in white? That’s okay…it’s snowshoeing season! Snowshoeing is a great…

Temperatures are falling and winter may be on the horizon but that doesn't mean you should lose your motivation to get outside. Get ready to swap out…

If solitude is what you’re after, winter hiking can be very enjoyable. Most hiking trails are never crowded during the colder months. If you…

Illinois’ state parks and forest preserves feature miles of hiking trails offering scenic views of lush foliage, native wildlife, and…

It’s September, and the coming of fall equals an abundance of autumnal harvest…in the woods. Foraging is currently all the rage at top…

Trail runners don’t need much, but what they do decide to bring along on a run must be lightweight and essential. From breathable jackets for…

One of the hottest trends in hiking and backpacking over the past few years has been the shift toward going ultralight on the trail. Typically, this…

If you’ve been on a vacation to an outdoor destination in the past few years, you’ve likely noticed a new phenomenon: cycle paths, single…

Proper footwear is one of the many keys to a successful hike. Here are six boots that will coddle your heel and arches while performing admirably on…

Footwear may be the single most important piece of hiking gear. If you're just starting to venture out onto the trails, there are a few things you'll…

Every spring, as testosterone levels drop in the males of North America’s deer species, they shed their antlers. Hunting for these shed antlers…

Scenic hikes are relaxing, inspiring, and invigorating for both new and experienced hikers. There are hundreds of hiking trails throughout Illinois…