Trails by State · All 50

Hike your home state

The standout trail in every US state — with mileage, elevation gain, difficulty, season notes, and a live trail map. Pick a state and start planning the next weekend out.

Top trails in Illinois (5)

Shawnee NF
Easy
Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

Iconic sandstone hoodoos over the Shawnee Hills. 4 mi with about 50 ft of elevation gain. It is a beginner-friendly route that families and casual day hikers can comfortably complete, even in shoulder seasons.

Distance:
0.4 mi
Gain:
50 ft
Type:
Loop
Starved Rock SP
Moderate
Starved Rock Canyons

Sandstone canyons and seasonal waterfalls. 7 mi with about 450 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended.

Distance:
4.7 mi
Gain:
450 ft
Type:
Loop
Matthiessen SP
Moderate
Matthiessen Dells Loop

Slot canyons with creek crossings. 4 mi with about 400 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended.

Distance:
4.4 mi
Gain:
400 ft
Type:
Loop
Shawnee NF
Easy
Rim Rock National Recreation Trail

Bluff-edge loop past Native American shelter caves. 0 mi with about 150 ft of elevation gain. It is a beginner-friendly route that families and casual day hikers can comfortably complete, even in shoulder seasons.

Distance:
1.0 mi
Gain:
150 ft
Type:
Loop
Shawnee NF
Moderate
Little Grand Canyon

Box canyon and overlook of the Big Muddy River. 6 mi with about 500 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended.

Distance:
3.6 mi
Gain:
500 ft
Type:
Loop