Spring is finally here and the weather is actually showing glimpses of warmth. You’ve been cooped up at home all winter, hiding from Chicago’s brutal winter season. And if you’re itching to get out and enjoy some fresh spring air on a good hike, we’ve got some recommendations!
We’re the Ben Lalez Team, and today we’re sharing our favorite hiking spots within a one-hour drive from Chicago. These spots offer at least 30 minutes of quality trail time and that true “getaway” feeling.
| Trail | Distance (from Chicago) | Trail Length & Difficulty | Special Features |
| Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve | 30 min | 9.3 mi, Moderate | Waterfall, wildlife |
| Indiana Dunes National Park | 45-60 min | 5–50 mi, Easy-Moderate | Dunes, Lake Michigan views |
| Kankakee River State Park | 60 min | 10.5 mi, Easy | Riverside, wildlife |
| Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie | 50-60 min | 5-22 mi, Moderate | Bison, tallgrass prairie |
| Deer Grove Forest Preserve | 40 min | 3.5 mi, Easy | Woodlands, wildlife |
| Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods) | 30 min | 7.3 mi, Easy | Lakes, elk herd |
| Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park | 60 min | 5 mi, Easy | Lake Michigan beach |
| Moraine Hills State Park | 60 min | 10 mi, Easy | Glacial ridges, wetlands |
| Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area | 40 min | 6.5 mi, Easy | Old-growth woodland |
| Lakewood Forest Preserve | 60 min | 3.5 mi, Easy | Prairies, wildflowers |
| Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve | 45 min | 3.7 mi, Moderate | Bluffs, Lake Michigan views |
| Des Plaines River Trail | 30 min | 31.5 mi, Easy | Riverside, forest |
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Distance from Chicago: About 30 minutes (22 miles southwest, near Lemont)
Waterfall Glen features a 9.3 mile limestone loop trail with plenty of interior paths for shorter hikes. The main loop is moderately difficult with a gentle elevation gain as you pass through woodlands, prairies, and the preserve’s namesake waterfall.
With over 740 native plant species and 300 animal species, biodiversity is the highlight here. Despite its popularity, the 2,500 acre preserve is large enough that you can find peaceful stretches, especially on weekdays.
Parking: Free parking at the main trailhead on Northgate Road and smaller lots. Portable restrooms available.
Pet Policy: Dogs welcome on leash.
Pro Tip: For a quieter experience, explore the unmarked interior footpaths. The waterfall flows best after rain or in spring.
Indiana Dunes National Park & State Park
Distance from Chicago: 45-60 minutes (about 50 miles east)
With over 50 miles of trails across both parks, Indiana Dunes offers incredible variety. Try the challenging “3 Dune Challenge” (1.5 miles), the scenic Trail 9 in the State Park (5 miles), or the Cowles Bog Trail (4.3 miles) in the National Park.
The landscape features sand dunes along Lake Michigan, backed by oak trees and wetlands. It’s also a major stopover for migratory birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Parking: Numerous trailheads including the State Park’s Nature Center (fee required) and National Park sites like Cowles Bog (free).
Pet Policy: Leashed pets allowed on most trails and beaches with some exceptions.
Pro Tip: Arrive early during summer to avoid crowds, and don’t underestimate the difficulty of climbing sand dunes!
Kankakee River State Park
Distance from Chicago: About 60 minutes (55-60 miles south)
The 10.5 mile Kankakee River Trail follows the scenic river through hardwood forests and limestone bluffs. The western section (7 miles) is paved, while the eastern portion (3.5 miles) is gravel.
You’ll likely spot wildlife including herons, turtles, deer, and wild turkeys. The trail is especially beautiful in autumn when fall colors reflect off the water.
Parking: Access from the main park entrance off IL-102 or the Potawatomi Trail access off IL-113. No entrance fee.
Pet Policy: Dogs on leash welcome.
Pro Tip: There are no bridges within the park to form a loop – to hike both sides, you’ll need to drive around or do a very long circuit outside the park.
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Distance from Chicago: 50-60 minutes (approximately 50 miles south near Wilmington)
Once an arsenal, this 19,000-acre protected prairie offers 22+ miles of mostly flat trails. The popular Buffalo Viewing Trail (3.6 miles) gives you a chance to spot the bison herd reintroduced in 2015.
Instead of forest, you’ll find yourself surrounded by waving grasses and wildflowers under panoramic skies. Watch for grassland birds, butterflies, and maybe even coyotes or foxes.
Parking: Main trailheads at the Welcome Center on IL-53 and Iron Bridge Trailhead. No entry fee.
Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on some trails, but not on bison trails.
Pro Tip: There’s virtually no shade, so bring sun protection and plenty of water. Visit in morning or late afternoon for better wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures.
Deer Grove Forest Preserve
Distance from Chicago: About 40 minutes (30 miles northwest in Palatine)
As Cook County’s first forest preserve, Deer Grove spans 1,800 acres with over 10 miles of trails. Deer Grove West features dirt trails through deep woodlands and wetlands, while Deer Grove East has prairies with a 2.8 mile paved loop.
Despite its suburban location, the preserve feels remarkably removed from city life and serves as a haven for migratory birds.
Parking: Multiple lots along Dundee Road (West) and Quentin Road (East). No fees.
Pet Policy: Dogs on leash permitted throughout.
Pro Tip: For solitude, try Deer Grove West’s unpaved loops where you’ll encounter fewer cyclists.
Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods)
Distance from Chicago: About 30 minutes (25 miles northwest in Elk Grove Village)
This popular preserve features a 7.3 mile paved loop around Busse Lake, plus additional trails totaling 11-13 miles. The 3,558 acres contains old oak forests, wetlands, and over 400 acres of lakes.
A unique feature is the resident elk herd kept in a fenced pasture since the 1920s. Despite being one of the most-visited preserves in Illinois, early mornings offer peaceful experiences.
Parking: Multiple free lots including entrances off Higgins Road and Golf Road.
Pet Policy: Dogs on leash welcome.
Pro Tip: Visit the elk pasture near Arlington Heights Road and Higgins Road, and consider shorter loops if the full circuit seems too long.
Illinois Beach State Park
Distance from Chicago: About 1 hour (48 miles north, near Zion)
This park preserves Illinois’ last remaining prairie dune ecosystem, with about 5 miles of official trails plus 6+ miles of beach. The Dunes Trail (2.2 miles) and Dead River Trail (1 mile) features diverse landscapes including dunes, marshes, and oak forests along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
With over 650 plant species, including prickly pear cactus, the ecological diversity here is remarkable.
Parking: Two main sections – south unit (Resort area) and north unit (Camp Logan). Free parking.
Pet Policy: Pets allowed on trails but not on swimming beaches.
Pro Tip: The north unit is typically less crowded than the south unit, especially on weekends.
Moraine Hills State Park
Distance from Chicago: About 1 hour (50 miles northwest, near McHenry)
This 2,200 acre glacial landscape offers about 10 miles of trails, including the Lake Defiance Trail (3.7 miles) and River Road Trail (2.0 miles). The terrain features wetlands, wooded ridges, and an undeveloped bog lake where lotus flowers bloom in summer.
Over 200 bird species have been recorded here, including bald eagles and osprey. The park’s protected status ensures a quiet experience dominated by natural sounds.
Parking: Entrances on River Road and Highway 176. No admission fee.
Pet Policy: Leashed dogs allowed on all trails.
Pro Tip: The Lake Defiance trail includes an observation deck with excellent views of the lake and surrounding marsh.
Lakewood Forest Preserve
Distance from Chicago: About 60 minutes (45-50 miles northwest in Wauconda)
Lake County’s largest forest preserve spans 2,735 acres with several miles of trails, including a section of the 28-mile Millennium Trail. A popular 6-mile loop combines the Millennium and Fort Hill Trails.
Habitat diversity is the highlight – oak woodlands, prairies, Taylor Lake, and even a bog ecosystem with carnivorous plants. Hikers share trails with horseback riders, adding to the rural atmosphere.
Parking: Main entrance off IL-176 with a large free lot.
Pet Policy: Dogs on leash welcome.
Pro Tip: Take the Fort Hill Trail spur for panoramic views of the prairies and wetlands.
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
Distance from Chicago: About 45 minutes (30 miles north, near Lake Forest/Highland Park)
This unique preserve features 3.7 miles of trails through restored bluffs to a 70-foot high overlook with Lake Michigan views. You can also head to the natural beach for shoreline hiking.
Inland trails pass historic military parade grounds and prairie patches. The designated birding loop is excellent during spring migration.
Parking: Enter on Gilgare Lane via Sheridan Road for free parking.
Pet Policy: Dogs allowed on main trails and Parade Grounds (leashed) but not on the beach or certain nature trails.
Pro Tip: Visit at sunrise for spectacular views from the bluff overlook.
Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area
Distance from Chicago: About 40 minutes (30 miles north in Riverwoods)
Ryerson Woods offers 6.5 miles of trails through old woodland along the Des Plaines River. The main Outer Loop covers 3.2 miles with several shorter inner loops available.
Massive maples, basswoods, and oaks create a cathedral-like setting that naturally muffles outside noise. Spring brings wildflowers, while fall offers spectacular foliage.
Parking: Entrance on Riverwoods Road with free parking.
Pet Policy: No dogs allowed in this nature preserve.
Pro Tip: The preserve typically closes one day per week (often Monday) – verify hours before visiting.
Des Plaines River Trail
Distance from Chicago: Variable. From Rosemont (20 minutes away) north to the Wisconsin border (about 1 hour for far north segments)
This impressive 31.5 mile continuous trail in Lake County (plus additional miles in Cook County with a few small gaps) follows the Des Plaines River through a chain of forest preserves. The flat, easy trail can be hiked in segments, making it perfect for different outings.
The northern half in Lake County is considered the most scenic – the trail winds through woods, crosses meadows, and offers spur trails to lakes and overlooks. Wildlife is abundant, including deer, wild turkeys, and evidence of beaver activity along the river.
Even in more developed sections, the well-maintained wooded corridor provides a natural escape. Whether you want a quick 2-mile stroll or a 10-mile trek, the DPRT can accommodate.
Parking: Many access points at forest preserves (in Cook County: Dam No. 4 Woods, Big Bend Lake; in Lake County: Independence Grove, Ryerson, etc.). No fees.
Pet Policy: Dogs on leash are welcome and commonly seen on the trail.
Pro Tip: A recommended segment is the 11 mile portion from Big Bend Lake (Des Plaines) to Dam No. 4 Woods (River Grove). In Lake County, Independence Grove (Libertyville) makes a nice midpoint stop with facilities and a seasonal cafe.
Finding Your Perfect Hiking Spot
These 12 natural escapes are all within an hour’s drive of Chicago and offer diverse landscapes from waterfront to forests and prairies. Early mornings or weekdays generally provide the most peaceful experiences.
The Ben Lalez Team has spent the last decade exploring every corner of Chicago and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for your next hiking adventure or a home closer to nature, we’re here to help you discover the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Ready to explore? Give us a shout, we’d love to share more of our favorite Chicago-area discoveries with you!
