Discover The Prairie State's treasures including these five Illinois forest trails. If you crave some recreational activities offering inspiring views of wildlife and nature, try some of the most invigorating and peaceful hikes in the state. Everything is included on these nature hikes, such as rugged bluffs, wooded ravines, murky swamps, soaring canyons, steep overlooks, and cascading waterfalls. Illinois offers an endless variety of hiking experiences with a choice of more than 270 trails totaling more than 700 miles. Consider giving some of the best Illinois forest trails a try. Are you ready for an outdoor adventure?

1. Herrick Lake Trail, Warrenville

Take a hike on the 8.1-mile trail in Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve. The 127-acre preserve’s interesting history comes from providing an intermission from life since 1923.

This space’s beauty and numerous recreational activities keep folks going back. This is where you can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, woodlands, the coastline of the West Branch DuPage River, and many opportunities to catch a glimpse of nature's wonders. The scenic Herrick Lake Trail takes about an hour and a half to complete. The surface is crushed limestone and relatively flat, making it an easy route.

And it connects two exciting places to explore: Danada Equestrian Center and Herrick Lake, the only natural lake in the county. Six designated van-accessible parking spaces are available in the paved parking lot off of Herrick Road at the west end of the trail.

2. Deer Grove Yellow Loop Trail, Palatine

Get to know this 5.7-mile trail in Deer Grove Forest Preserve. The 2,000 acres in the county’s first forest preserve features a variety of terrain including rolling upland forests, wetlands, wooded ravines, and prairie lands.

The moderately challenging, well-shaded route takes about two hours to complete. Some of the landscape includes slightly hilly areas, a creek, and a couple of ponds.

3. Busse Woods Loop Trail, Elk Grove Village

Enjoy this 7.5-mile trail in Ned Brown Forest Preserve, a.k.a. Busse Woods.

With 3,558 acres, the preserve provides one of the largest and most diverse spaces in the Forest Preserves. Look for ancient upland forests, folks fishing at Busse Lake, and nearly 13 miles of paved trail. And if that’s not enough, an elk pasture is also available for your observing pleasure.

In addition to the elk, this approximately two-hour easy route offers other amazing views. It is always busy and a very popular place for biking and birdwatching. It is paved, flat, and with enough shade to prevent overheating on a hot day.

Arrange a hike to end at sunset and capture this memorable view, a reminder of the best day in a forest in Illinois. Access the park at E. Higgins Road and Arlington Heights Road, in Elk Grove Village.

4. Little Grand Canyon Trail, Pomona

Give this 3-mile trail in Shawnee National Forest a try. This hike is considered a moderately challenging route with some difficult technical aspects. You will come across a couple of places where you have to climb down into the canyon through the creek bed, which can be slippery.

Shawnee National Forest stretches across 289,000 acres between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Some features include lush oak-hickory forests, sharp ridges, flourishing wetlands, and other unique geological features.

Don't be surprised if you spot some local wildlife while you hike. And the rewards of the hike are immense, including this overlook showcasing the vast evergreen below.

5. Waterfall Glen Loop Trail, Willowbrook

Try out the 9.5-mile trail in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve.

The 2,503-acre preserve is known for its Sawmill Creek bluff overlook, 11 miles of extensive trails, and of course, its Rocky Glen Waterfall.

For a shorter, 6.5-mile route, start at the trailhead and go backward to the waterfall and back. With parking lots in several places throughout the trail, you’ll find this hike helps erase some of the hustle and bustle of the daily grind.

Well, what do you think? Have you chosen one of these amazing Illinois forest trails to hike? If you end up trying one, please let us know in the comments. Try some more outdoor adventures in Illinois that are exhilarating.