Not all hikes have to be full-day excursions for hardcore outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, some of the best hikes in Illinois are just a few miles and you'll still get the benefits of exercise and fresh air while experiencing incredible views. These hikes are all under three miles and, at a leisurely pace, can be completed in less than two hours.

1. Salt Lick and Johnson Trail Loop, Valmeyer

This 2.9-mile loop trail resides in the Salt Lick Point Land and Water Rescue and leads up the bluffs to the highest point in the county. Along the way, you will see a variety of wildflowers, rocks, and a cave. If you're looking for scenic hikes in Illinois, you've found a great one!

Read more about Johnson Trail.

2. Trillium Trail, Makanda

At the ever-enchanting Giant City State Park, hiking along the 1.3-mile Trillium Trail will lead you past rock formations and towering bluffs. It's quite a fun and memorable hike!

Learn more about Makanda.

3. Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve Loop, Ava

At Piney Creek Ravine, you will find a waterfall along this two-mile pathway. And even though this waterfall is a stunning sight, another feature you'll see is a rock with approximately 200 prehistoric art designs dating back about 1,000 years ago. It's absolutely fascinating to see and makes for a great kid-friendly hike in Illinois.

Check out more about Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve Loop.

4. Dead River and Dunes Loop Trail, Zion

This Illinois Beach State Park trail is 2.5 miles long and features a fascinating landscape. You'll enjoy hiking through dunes, marshland, and forest and seeing the abundance of wildlife, plants, grasses, and wildflowers.

Find out more about Dead River and Dunes Loop Trail.

5. Joliet Iron Works Historic Site Trails Loop, Joliet

It's not often you can learn some history while hiking, but here at Joliet Iron Works you can! This trail is a nice easy hike in Illinois with a 1.4-mile accessible loop trail. You can see what remains of the former iron works and learn about why Joliet is known as the "City of Iron and Steel."

6. Sentinel Trail, Savanna

The Sentinel Trail is 1.1-miles long and located in Mississippi Palisades Park. This trail provides a family-friendly hike uphill where you can view Sentinel Rock and the Mississippi River below.

Read more about Savanna, Illinois.

7. Weldon Springs Trail, Clinton

The 1.9-mile accessible Weldon Springs Trail loops around a picturesque lake. Along with water views, there is plenty of forest, wildflowers, and wildlife around for an ideal day out in nature and a great scenic hike in Illinois.

Find out more about Clinton, Illiinois.

8. Nippersink Trail, Round Lake

The 1.3-mile Nippersink Trail loop is an accessible trail featuring compacted gravel and is partially paved with a bridge and a boardwalk that has barriers. Along this pathway, you will pass through forest and by the lake and streams where catch-and-release fishing is allowed.

See more about Nippersink Trail.

9. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, Granite City

Spanning a mile over the Mississippi River, Chain of Rocks Bridge was used by cars traveling along historic Route 66 for over 30 years. Now a 2.1-mile out-and-back pedestrian paved walkway, you can make your way from Illinois into Missouri with incredible views of the river along the way. This is an accessible trail for wheelchairs and strollers, although there is a bit of a steep grade for the first part of the trek.

Have you traveled along any of the trails on this list? Please let us know your experience and what your favorite trails are around the Prairie State.

A few trails on this list are considered accessible. For more accessible trails, head to our previous paved trails article.