Matthiessen State Park is home to beautiful canyons, streams, waterfalls, and other natural geological formations. Hikers can explore five miles of marked trails, choosing from various routes over the bluff tops or into the dells. The wide variety of vegetation and wildlife provide additional scenic variety to hikes through the park, as well.
Known for its diverse and breathtaking terrain, Shawnee National Forest offers many miles of hiking trails through woodlands, hills, and sandstone formations. The Rim Rock National Recreational Trail is an exceptionally beautiful scenic hike that winds around the top rim of a rock. Its historic values led to its designation of a national recreation trail in 1980.
Ferne Clyffe State Park offers an extraordinary variety of plant life and wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers. Big Rocky Hollow Trail is an easy hike that leads to a beautiful, 100-foot waterfall. The total length of the trail is just under a mile. Each of the 18 trails in the park are assigned a number and name to prevent any confusion with hikers.
The Des Plaines River Trail spans over 30 miles through 12 forest preserves and a variety of natural habitats. This gravel trail follows the Des Plaines River until connecting with the Cook County Forest Preserve trail. Hikers can experience diverse landscapes including prairies, savannas, valleys, and woodlands.
From forested swaps to shallow wetlands, Cache River State Natural Area is dominated with beautiful trees. The Big Cypress Tree Trail is a short hike that showcases a bald cypress tree over 1,000 years-old. The tree’s base has a circumference of over 40 feet, making this natural wonder a destination for both novice and experienced hikers.
]]>This 160 acre property was gifted to the citizens of Kane County by Emily Schweitzer. Here, you and your pup can explore oak forests, crop land, hay meadows and marshes. You can even visit the Edwardian house and matching dog kennel situated at the southeast corner of the property.
This 90 acre park was acquired from the Smoeger Estate and is full of natural woods and meadows. The park is perfect for an afternoon stroll with your pup and every inch of the park is open to your furry family member.
This 67-acre green space is located on the banks of the Fox River and is the perfect outdoor escape for your pup. The area contains an off-leash dog area, hiking/biking trails, interpretive signs, and even fishing.
This 1,350 acre park is a great spot for exploration and adventure. Here, you and your pup can explore diverse habitats and activities like hiking, biking, fishing, birding and more.
This lake is a great destination for a pup looking to get out and explore. With trails that allow dogs (as long as they are on a leash) and plenty of wildlife, your pup is bound to have a blast.
This 2,200 acre park is the perfect spot for fishing, biking, hiking, birding and more. And with ten-plus miles of trails, your pup can explore for hours. There’s no limit to what you can discover!
Explore this beautiful park with your pup and take in the seven-acre lake, several pavilions, asphalt walking trails, and more. See why Maryville locals flock to this hidden gem.
This wilderness area on the Illinois River, known for its steep sandstone canyons, is the perfect spot for a pup looking to explore. With trails, wildlife and even a Lover’s Leap Overlook to explore, your pup will be entertained for hours.
This 122 acre open space property is a pup’s paradise. With a savanna and mesic woodland, pocket seeps and a clear rippling brook, you and your pup will have plenty of exploring to do.
This 147 acre preserve is located at the site of the historic Grinton Mill and provides access to the DuPage River with a boat launch and picnic area. Perfect for a pup looking for an adventure.
]]>Waterfall Glen is a 2,492-acre forest preserve formed by glaciers that covered the Chicagoland area millions of years ago. Today this impressive open space includes savannas, prairies, and woodlands featuring hundreds of native plant species, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Waterfall Glen offers 11 miles of beautiful trails for hiking and exploring this natural wonder.
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Experience nature at its finest on the Des Plaines River Trail. Located in Wadsworth, this 31-mile trail is perfect for hiking, skiing, horseback riding, bicycling, and snowmobiling. Experience a diverse array of natural landscapes from river views to beautiful woodlands, savannas, and prairies throughout the journey.
Rock Cut State Park is best known for Pierce Lake and Olsen Lake, which together cover over 200 acres of the park. The rolling plains of the park are filled with wildlife such as deer, fox, beaver, waterfowl, muskrat, raccoon, and birds. Dozens of wildflowers and tree species also make vibrant displays each year at Rock Cut. Visitors can access 40 miles of hiking trails, 23 miles of biking trails, and 14 miles of equestrian trails at this history-filled state park.
This special preserve features pristine woodlands supporting many rare, endangered, and threatened species, making it an exceptional natural area. The northern flatwoods forest is a rare landscape visitors can explore at Ryerson. This area also has a small farm, rain gardens, and many educational opportunities for families. There are over six miles of scenic trails that lead past historic buildings, through dense woodlands, and along the Des Plaines River.
The Busse Forest Trails are approximately 12 miles long and include shorter trail segments. With asphalt surfaces, these trails are perfect for biking, skating, and hiking through the Ned Brown Preserve. A 590-square-foot lake known as the Busse Reservoir is the focal point of this 3,700-square-foot wooded preserve.
]]>Busse Forest Trail winds through the 3,558-acre Ned Brown Forest Preserve, circling around lakes and meadows. This trail is over 11 miles-long and ideal for running or jogging. Runners can choose to take the main loop, which is approximately eight miles, or the shorter side loops leading to the edges of the forest.
The Des Plaines River Trail winds along the Des Plaines River and is suitable for both novice and experienced runners. This long, lush trail is over 56 miles long and features diverse terrain for an adventurous run on a variety of trail surfaces including crushed stone, pavement, and dirt paths through forests. Runners can also catch glimpses of native wildlife such as deer, turtles, and birds.
This 13-mile trail is ideal for runners seeking both natural and industrial scenery. Centennial Trail features a historic swing bridge and offers both paved and crushed limestone surfaces. Runners can experience woodlands and ample wildlife, particularly birds, and wildflowers in the warmer months. This trail is also very peaceful and quiet.
The Hennepin Canal State Trail is ideal for a historic run along an old canal. Runners can also experience abundant wildlife and lush vegetation that is particularly vibrant during the fall. More advanced runners often try the 4.5-mile trail in the main complex, which features more diverse landscapes including grasslands, marshes, and tall timbers.
The Chicago Lakefront Trail offers some of the most beautiful views of Lake Michigan and Chicago. This 18-mile trail is often frequented by commuters, tourists, and recreational enthusiasts regardless of the season. Runners appreciate the interesting sites including beaches, museums, and parks, in the area. The trail starts at the South Shore Cultural Center and ends at Kathy Osterman Beach.
]]>Located in the Little Black Slough, the largest state-owned natural area, this trail is nestled within the forests featuring incredible wildlife diversity. More than 100 endangered and threatened plant and animal species occupy this incredible area, which has remained undisturbed for centuries. Hikers and bird observers can view many species of birds here including herons, mallards, geese, great horned owls, bald eagles, hawks, vultures, and doves.
Located in Madison County, Horseshoe Lake State Park offers some of the best birdwatching in the state. The area’s close proximity to the Mississippi River allows an ideal habitat for over 300 bird species including wading birds, waterfowl, numerous shorebirds, over 15 gull species, and many others. Hiking trails are available on Walker’s Island, where the Eurasian tree sparrow has been sighted.
Visitors come to the Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary to enjoy a birdwatching adventure unlike any other. This protected area serves as a refuge for migrating birds needing a resting place. The public trails are accessible by foot, bike, and horseback, allowing visitors the opportunity to encounter birds flying overhead, swimming in ponds, and perched in trees. Many bird species including cardinals, woodpeckers, doves, chickadees, robins, and wrens have been spotted in this area.
This tiny site on located in Chicago on the Lake Michigan shoreline is actually a birdwatching hot spot throughout the year. Featuring over 200 bird species, Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary attracts migrant songbirds, water birds, and much more. Visitors are advised to remain on the hiking trail to avoid disturbing the wildlife in this small area.
Located 50 miles southwest of Chicago, Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area is mainly a dedicated natural preserve and nesting habitat for threatened or endangered birds. Visitors can hike along seven miles of trails through the prairie and view a variety of birds including waterfowl, blackbirds, marsh birds, killdeer, great blue herons, great egrets, and the Henslow’s sparrow. Migrating birds including warblers, eastern kingbirds, and catbirds are prevalent in this beautiful area, as well.
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Experience the ultimate lower body workout at Swallow Cliff. This natural area features a 100-foot-tall bluff, drawing visitors seeking a challenging hike or run up the steep limestone stairs. The trail also passes through an 800-acre forest preserve with hilly terrain.
Known for its steep limestone bluffs. Apple River Canyon State Park features a scenic canyon area formed by a vast sea that used to exist in the area. The park offers five hiking trails that wind through the woods. These trails are several miles long and can be hazardous, so they’re more suitable for advanced hikers looking for an energizing workout.
Giant City State Park is famous for its huge rock formations and lush landscapes. Although hikers can enjoy several trails through the park, the Red Cedar Hiking Trail offers a more challenging 12-mile hike with an overnight campsite. This hike is ideal for an invigorating workout for more experienced hikers.
Garden of the Gods is one of the most beautiful scenic areas in the state. Located in Shawnee National Forest, this natural wonder was created from over 300 million years of erosion. Now hikers can experience these sculptured rock formations and breathtaking views from the Observation Trail, which offers an energizing hike for all fitness levels.
There are three unpaved and two paved trails at the Deer Grove Forest Persevere. The Yellow Trail is the longest in the area at 5.4 miles. According to its site, this historic 1,800-acre preserve attracts everyone from “serious botanists to weekend joggers.” This is an excellent place for a refreshing hike among beautiful wildlife.
]]>Located in East Central Illinois, Fox Ridge State Park is known for its lush valleys and steep ridges. This 2,064-acre park is a beautiful destination year-round and offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, camping, and cross-country skiing. So, whether you’re planning on a short hike and picnic or an extended vacation, Fox Ridge State Park is sure to provide a relaxing and memorable outdoor experience.
Trails are a great way to view the abundant wildlife and vegetation at Fox Ridge State Park. The Loop Trail is nearly five miles long and is moderately difficult due to the steep descents and numerous steps. It’s accessible year-round and features many wooden bridges, which are sometimes out of service. Several rest benches are available.
Every park features a scenic spot, and Eagle’s Nest is one you can’t miss at Fox Ridge. Eagle’s Nest is located on top of a very steep bluff overlooking the river below. You’ll have to climb 144 steps to access the deck and experience the amazing panoramic views year-round.
Fox Ridge offers ample camping including two rustic cabins and over 40 campsites with access to a sanitary dumping station, toilet facilities, and shower building. Picnic tables, drinking water, and cooking grills are also available for campers.
Take a look into the past at the Dudley House in Charleston. This historic home was built in the late 1800s and features Queen Anne style architecture, which is rare in Illinois. The home is completely restored to its original splendor with fixtures, furniture, and art dating back to the late 19th century.
Known as the oldest house in Coles County, the Five Mile House is a tourist attraction offering a glimpse into the 19th history. The home was built around 1840 and has a rich history worth discovering. This landmark was restored to its original appearance with modern updated added for functionality.
Built around 1860, the Greenwood School building is a one-room schoolhouse that held classes from 1895 to 1948. The schoolhouse has undergone restoration since 1975 and is now open to the public. This museum is another piece of Charleston history and interesting attraction near Fox Ridge State Park.
Located nearby Fox Ridge State Park, Mac’s Uptowner is a great place to relax after a long day of recreation. They offer a large drink selection, friendly bartenders, and live music most weekends. This joint is Charleston’s main music venue. You’ll also find pool tables, video games, and great food.
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As an award-winning campground several years in a row, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes offers the best in family fun. Kids love the inflatable water playground on the lake, and paddleboards, paddleboats, and kayaks are available. They also offer other fun activities including tie-dying, horseshoe pits, outdoor movies, live music, hiking, biking, hay rides, crafts, games, and much more.
This amenity-filled camping resort is perfect for families with kids of all ages. They offer rental units at affordable prices and wide variety of family-friendly activities including fishing, tubing, kayaking, rafting, arts and crafts (every weekend), and mini golf to name a few. This camping resort also has two heated pool, two playgrounds, and even an arcade.
Whether you want to “rough it” or enjoy a comfortable camping getaway, Crazy Horse makes a memory-filled family experience. With plenty of wide open nature, this family-oriented campground offers fishing and a remodeled lodge with pool tables, board games, books, arcade games, food, and hot breakfast every weekend morning. They also have themed weekends throughout the season.
Camp on a modern ranch at Hansen’s Hideaway. This family-friendly campground is located on 100 acres of scenic landscape with a swimming pond, playground, game room, snack bar, and more. They also offer horse boarding, hay rides, nature trails, covered picnic pavilions, and horseshoe pits. Hansen’s Hideaway is a great family getaway spot.
Lincoln Trail Family Campground is the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. While they don’t offer the many amenities and activities as the other campgrounds featured here, this serene campground is surrounded by lush vegetation and features a beautiful lake. They host many annual events and the owners really care about the quality of the camping experience.
]]>Crow Valley Campground is the perfect spot for family camping on the Rock River. They offer spacious RV sites equipped with water and electricity at very affordable nightly, weekly, and monthly rates. Campers have access to plenty of amenities including a pool, game room, Wi-Fi, playground, and store. Choose from a plethora of family-friendly activities such as volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, fishing, and more.
For modern amenities in rustic resort environment, look no further than Whittington Woods Campground. This RV campground offers full hook-ups and a salt water pool for registered campers. They also offer a fully-stocked store, pavilion with several picnic tables and fire pit, playground, and basketball. Campers can also take advantage of the nearby attractions, which include museums, shops, and dancing.
Located in scenic western Illinois, Driftwood is nearby the Mississippi River and also surrounded by many lakes and streams for plenty of recreational activities. This beautiful RV park offers full hook-up sites, free hot showers, clean bathrooms with private dressing rooms, and a swimming pool for relaxing. Hiking, boating, fishing, and hunting are all nearby this family-friendly campground.
Sycamore RV Resort provides a quiet, relaxing getaway for the entire family. This lakeside campground offers a full range of camping activities including boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and more. The campground is also conveniently located near many local attractions such as the Sycamore “Turning Back Time” Classic Car Show, Sycamore Speedway, and Great Western Trail.
This family-owned RV park is open year-around and provides a scenic spot for anyone wanting some peace and quiet. Archway provides a variety of full hook-up sites, laundromat, handicap-accessible bathrooms, Wi-Fi, a playground, and fishing pond for campers. It’s also conveniently located near restaurants and retail stores.
]]>One of the best times of year to go on a hike in Illinois is during the fall. The heat from the summer has dissipated. The bugs are gone. And foliage is in full swing.
As a hiker, the last thing you want is to get all blistered up from a pair of uncomfortable boots. The proper footwear on a hike will make or break your experience. Here are a few of our favorite brands.
You'll need more than just a good pair of boots. Navigational tools, First Aid, and extra water are just a few items you should be carrying. Make sure to add these 10 essentials to your checklist.
Grab those binoculars. When wildlife accompanies your journey, it makes the experience all the more special. Spot great horned owls, hawks, herons, and more on these beautiful birdwatching hikes.
Looking for a good place to pick up those new boots? A backpack? The perfect lightweight jacket? These well-stocked and expertly-run retailers have your back.
Are you now ready for more of a challenge? These strenuous hikes will certainly get your heart rate up.
]]>When the water temperatures cool down, the muskie bite heats up in Illinois. And if you’re a muskie hunter, you won’t want to miss November’s IMTT Championship Tournament on the Fox Chain of Lakes. Launch for the tournament (or quench your thirst and wait for the weigh-in) at the Thirsty Turtle Bew & View Pub.
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The Cannonball Ride fall off-road cycling series, including the Fat Tire Fest, takes place throughout October and November at various locations, with the last two races taking place in the Chester area. The distances are 50-plus miles, with plenty of climbing, gravel and cross-country racing. Race headquarters and the newest Cannonball sponsor is St. Nicholas Landmark restaurant on the banks of the Mississippi, in Chester.
Starved Rock State Park, carved into the bluffs of the Illinois River is one of the state’s most dramatically beautiful. Hike the carved canyons and ravines, surrounded by the colors and scents of autumn, the sounds small cascades rushing in the background. Hike to the edge of the bluff to see the foliage’s bursting with color up and down the river valley. Eat, drink or stay at the Starved Rock Lodge, located right in the park.
What better way to enjoy fall than from the deck of an historic riverboat? Head to the Quad Cities and step aboard the Celebration Belle for an authentic sternwheel experience, as you take in the crisp autumn air and enjoy the gorgeous fall colors of the tree-lined Mississippi River valley.
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Hit the roads for a 5K or half-marathon at the annual Hero Run in Mascoutah. Not only is it an awesome event, it is was founded to honor veterans and service members who are on active duty, as well to raise money to assist those who are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After the run, stay for Braktoberfest, where you can recover from the run with plenty of beer and all the food you need.
If you like corn mazes, whether for the zen of getting lost, the thrill of solving the puzzle, or even the corn itself, you kinda have to visit the World’s Largest Corn Maze, which is right here in Illinois. More specifically, you can find it at Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove.
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Kickapoo State Park is home to some of the best singletrack in Illinois. The 13 miles of trails are maintained by the Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club and offer awesome experiences for all levels of riders. If you need gear or repairs, Cycles Plus in Danville is a great choice that’s close to the park.
The Sangamon River, a tributary of the Illinois in the central part of the state, is an excellent all-around fishery but is particularly good for flathead catfish. These leviathans easily grow to sizes in excess of 50 pounds. In the fall, these cats are feeding a sheltering in deep holes and other structure. Tailwaters below dams, such as the one at Petersburg, are often excellent spots to find flatheads. If you’re looking for bait, gear or local advice, stop into Big Red’s Bait and Tackle in nearby Springfield.
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Walleyes aren’t so picky, and all the traditional waters such as the Mississippi River, Big Saint Germain Lake in Wisconsin, Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota and Great Lakes feeder streams give up tons of ’eyes in the fall.
One Last Salmon Fling
The big attraction nowadays is king (chinook) salmon that make their fall spawning runs up rivers and creeks. Whether fishing from a small boat or a Great Lakes charter boat, latching on to a 20- or 30-pound king can quickly warm up an otherwise chilly fall day.
Hot Spots To Fish: Michigan’s Grand River, which empties into the eastern side of Michigan, is a prime destination for salmon. Getting Bit Guide Service (616-570-2946, gettingbitguideservice.com) in Grand Rapids is a good starting point. In fact, any port of call along Lake Michigan on either the east or west sides is likely to have plenty of knowledgeable salmon guides or charters. Fishing from jetties or piers – such as the famed McKinley Pier in Milwaukee – is also productive during the fall salmon runs.
In northwestern New York, the Salmon River lives up to its name through mid-October, but the run might linger into November in the Lake Ontario feeder, depending on the weather. Coho and steelheads also are in the mix too.
The Yankee Angler (315-963-2065, yankeeangler.com) in Pulaski, N.Y. keeps tabs on the fishing. In the big waters of Lake Ontario’s southern shore at Rochester, N.Y., give Reel Em In Sportfishing Charters (585-317-5325, reeleminsportfishing.com) a call.
Farther to the northwest, the waters and feeders of Lake Superior near Sault Ste. Marie are teeming with big salmon. One of the benefits here is that you can always slip in to the St. Mary’s River System to get away from those rough autumn nor’ westers. Live To Fish Charters (906-440-7797) can help make it happen.
Tackle You’ll Need: Salmon tackle and striped bass tackle (see above) are practically interchangeable. Fish might range from a few pounds to well over 20 pounds, and rods and reels should be in the medium- to-heavy range. A light- to-medium spinning outfit capable of holding a couple of hundred yards of 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament or 30- to 50-pound-test braid should do for most applications, especially when casting lures. Try the Okuma Epixor XT-20 with a matching rod.
Quick Tip: Just to hedge your bets, tie a foot-long section of 2x mono to your streamer hook and add a beadhead Prince nymph or similar pattern to the other end. When salmon are finicky, they might flash at a streamer, but not take it. Sometimes, a smaller mouthful such as a nymph trailer will seal the deal.
Best Lures/Bait: For the most part, spawn-run salmon hit spoons, crankbaits or roe bags out of reaction rather than hunger. Shiny lures, such as the Luhr-Jensen Twinky Rig behind a flasher, the Acme Kastmaster Spoon and a variety of soft-plastic swimbaits or hard crankbaits, will elicit strikes. Fly fishermen favor Dahlberg Divers, Wooly Buggers, Hex Nymphs and Glo Bugs.
Find the best fishing spots near you:
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Walleyes Are Hungry and Willing
In similar fashion to bass, walleyes follow baitfish from the bigger lakes to feeder creeks and rivers with current.
Hot Spots To Fish: The Van Hook Arm of Lake Sakakawea (701-421-0360, vanhookguideservice.com) in North Dakota is a prime walleye destination, as is Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago (920-598-0586, walleyepatrol.com)
Tackle You’ll Need: Power fishing it’s not. Though walleyes might fatten up to well over 10 pounds, 2- to 4-pound fish are more the rule. Depending on the average size of the fish, 4- to 10-pound-test monofilament or fluorocarbon will do.
For spinning enthusiasts, the Quantum Vapor PT with matching rod will work. If you prefer trolling to casting, or bouncing a weight and natural bait on the bottom, try a baitcasting outfit such as a Fenwick/Pflueger Night Hawk or Iron Hawk combo.
Quick tip: Trolling at night with diving jerkbaits, such as the Storm Original ThunderStick or Lucky Craft Pointer 110, is a great way to catch walleyes. Troll in patterns from deep to shallow and back again, as the fish tend to relocate up and down drop-offs and channel runs depending on bait movement.
Best Lures/Bait: Leeches, nightcrawlers, minnows and everything from crankbaits to spinners will find favor with hungry fall walleyes. Top picks include: Rapala’s Shad Rap, Berkley’s Flicker Shad, Mepps’ Black Fury, Rapala’s Husky Jerk and Northland Fishing Tackle’s Forage Minnow Jigging Spoon.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
Giant City State Park is known for its rustic beauty and plentiful recreational opportunities. The massive sandstone cliffs are ideal for experienced rock climbers who want to see the unique landscape up close. Rock climbing is only permitted at Shelter #1 bluff (Makanda entrance) and Devil’s Standtable cliff. Ropers are allowed, but permanent anchors aren’t permitted.
Recognized for its plentiful recreational activities and abundant vegetation, Shawnee National Forest is a top destination in Southern Illinois. Although only limited rock climbing is available in Shawnee National Forest, climbers are allowed at Jackson Falls (near Ozark). Jackson Falls is ideal for technical and sport climbing and offers gorgeous scenic views of the forest and bluffs in the area.
Mississippi Palisades State Park is known for its amazing natural landscapes and rich Native American history. The cliffs at this park are ideal for catching the best scenic views of the park, however, climbing is only allowed at Indian Head, Twin Sisters, and Sentinel Area. This park doesn’t maintain the rocks/cliffs or allow permanent anchors. So if you’re heading up there, make sure to come prepared!
Ferne Clyffe State Park offers some of the most outstanding views in the state. Featuring unique plant life and geology, this widely-recognized state park provides many recreational activities including rock climbing. Whether you’re seeking an interesting climb or advanced route for a challenge, you’ll find it along with breathtaking scenery at Ferne Clyffe State Park. Absolutely no bolts are allowed on any bluffs, and some bluffs are inaccessible to protect the native endangered flora.
Located nearby Ferne Clyffe State Park, Cedar Bluff is another ideal rock climbing area for both newbies and experienced climbers. The Little Big Wall offers a unique climbing experience from out of a cave and onto a rock face. Cedar Bluff also offers several other climbing routes, some are long and challenging, while others are smooth and consistent.
]]>Known for its moss-covered boulders and bubbling brook, Dixon Springs State Park features the tallest tree in Illinois: a 165-foot-tall red oak. Aside from this cool fact, this beautiful state park is home to other giant, century-old trees, abundant wildlife, and huge boulders. Several beautiful foliage hikes are available throughout the park including Pine Tree Trail, Oak Tree Trail, Bluff Trail, and Ghost Dance Trail.
Kankakee River State Park is known for its rich cultural history, unspoiled natural beauty, and clean streams. Hikers can take advantage of the miles of beauty foliage scenery along the north side of the Kankakee River via the park’s trail system. The hiking trails offer stunning views of limestone canyons, beautiful foliage, and a waterfall.
Matthiessen State Park is the ideal spot for anyone interested in geology or passionate about recreational activities. This unique park features a diverse landscape that ranges from prairie to canyons and forest. The park offers five miles of marked hiking trails featuring stunning views of foliage, wildlife, and rock formations. Hikers should always remain on the trails and exercise caution near the steep cliffs and canyons.
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is an ecological haven featuring 740 native plants species and hundreds of animal species includes mammals, fish, reptiles, birds, and amphibians. This nearly 2,500-acre park features 11 miles of turf and limestone-covered trails through a variety of habitats including grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, and savannas. Unmarked footpaths are also found through the Waterfall Glen, but they may not connect with the mapped trails.
Known for its magnificent views of the Illinois River, Pere Marquette State Park is the recreational lover’s paradise. This state park is rich in local history, geology, wildlife habitat, and year-round recreational activities. Hikers can take in stunning views of the wooded ravines, towering river bluffs, and lush forests along 12 miles of marked trails. These trails are suitable for both experienced and beginner hikers.
]]>As the “Trail Riding Capital of Illinois,” Eddyville offers many scenic trails throughout the Shawnee National Forest area. Hayes Canyon Campground features 32 RV campsites with electric hookups, cabin rentals, and a few pens for horses or mules. This award-winning campground is also conveniently located near recreational activities and scenic areas including Little Creek Archery, Bell Smith Springs, and Millstone Bluffs. The abundant trees and vegetation are beautiful in the fall at Hayes Canyon Campground.
Located on 1,000 acres of crystal-clear water in Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Little Grassy Campground and Marina is the perfect fall camping spot. Little Grassy Lake is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in southern Illinois thanks to the woody rocky shoreline and translucent waters. The campground offers a variety of options including full hook-up, water and electric only, tent, and a tent group site for campers. This scenic area offers stunning views in the fall.
The dense vegetation and forested bluffs of Fox Ridge State Park are extra beautiful in the autumn when they display brilliant orange, yellow, and red hues. This 2,064-acre park features lush valleys, steep ridges, and miles of scenic hiking trails with several picturesque wooden bridges. Campers have access to many picnic areas, fishing on Ridge Lake, boating, and public hunting.
Although known for its beautiful wildflowers in the spring, Pecatonica River Forest Preserve is just as beautiful in the autumn. It’s located on 466 acres of oxbow swamps and woodlands, featuring a 130-year-old limestone barn on the preserve. It offers 15 non-electric campsites, 133 picnic tables, restrooms, playground equipment, canoe access, and nearly 10 miles of hiking trails.
Trail of Tears State Forest is abundant in wildlife and used mainly for ecosystem preservation. Camping in the Trail of Tears State Forest is a peaceful experience with lush vegetation and scenic hiking trails nearby. Campers also have access to picnic shelters and game hunting (seasonal). More primitive campers appreciate the tent campsites and log shelters for rustic camping in the forest with gorgeous autumn views.
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