Hike your home state — Bucketlist Field Guide
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 (10)

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
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
Starved Rock SP
Easy
French Canyon Loop

Sandstone slot canyon and seasonal waterfall. 5 mi with about 100 ft of elevation gain. It is a beginner-friendly route that families and casual day hikers can comfortably complete, even in shoulder seasons.

Distance:
1.5 mi
Gain:
100 ft
Type:
Loop
Shawnee NF
Easy
Observation Trail

Iconic sandstone hoodoos along the Illinois Ozark ridge. 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
Pere Marquette SP
Moderate
Goat Cliff Trail Loop

Mississippi-bluff overlooks on Illinois' largest state park. 2 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:
3.2 mi
Gain:
500 ft
Type:
Loop
Shawnee NF
Moderate
Lusk Creek Canyon

Sandstone canyon, hemlock groves and a clear creek in southern Illinois. 2 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:
4.2 mi
Gain:
450 ft
Type:
Out & Back