Posted by Take a hike….literally.
Typically, summer is considered by most the best time to take a hike. I respectfully dispute that. And, did you know that November 17th is National Take a Hike Day? It is, look it up.
Fall, to me, is by far the best time to hike and take in all that nature has to offer. Fall foliage is beginning, cooler temperatures, the smell of decaying leaves in the cool air – or is that something you just stepped in 🙂
Illinois has some of the very best hiking destinations to be found in all the Midwest. From Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks near Utica, Illinois all the way to the Shawnee Forest, and many in between.
I have visited many of these parks myself. Read our reviews of some of the best parks and trails Illinois has to offer.
Starved Rock State Park – A review written by another local travel blogger. I visit Starved Rock State Park a couple times per year and it never gets old.
Shawnee Forest area – Several recreational areas included in this area that provide some extraordinary hiking and scenery.
Below is a link to a fabulous article that appeared on the Huffington Post blog a couple summers ago. In the post, some of Illinois’ very best trails are highlighted with links for additional information. It’s a great, quick read and should get you excited to find those hiking shoes and head outside.
11 Illinois Hiking Spots You Should Visit This Summer https://t.co/5liRyti7Jv via @HuffPostChicago
— Jai Windish (@jai_windish) September 14, 2018
I haven’t been to all the trails listed in the Huffington Post blog post, but you can bet I have them on my list.
If you do not live in Illinois or are too far to travel to some of these trails, look into your state’s Department of Natural Resources and I’ll bet you’ll find trails or parks to visit that will inspire your adventures.
Here are some pictures from a recent hike I took at a local park that was less than 10 minutes from my house – proof that you can find the beauty of nature if you just look for it.
These photos and other Midwest/Illinois nature photos are located on our SmugMug account.
As always, thank you for reading and visiting Midwest Bliss.
Get outside and experience the beauty of the outdoors.
I agree. In fact, I don’t feel well if I’m not hiking 🙂
We’re driving through Illinois in November so hopefully we can plan a pit stop at one trail to stretch our legs.
For sure – hopefully weather will still be mild enough for a nice leisurely stroll. Thanks for reading along 🙏🏻
I totally agree that late fall is my favorite time to hike. Even once the leaves have fallen the trails are totally different because you can see things usually hidden in the summer foliage.
Thanks for reading 🙏🏻
We were on a hike this morning at a newly formed preserve near us.
Awesome Jim – hiking is good for the soul.
Got to love a good hike.