Camping & Hiking Discussion Board

Hiking spots in the Chicago Area?

steinde1 — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:01:45 GMT

For day hikes you can also check out the Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter/Chesterton, Indiana. It is only about 45 minutes from Chicago and has some great sand dune terrain and views of the lake. On a clear day you can also see Chicago across the lake. Plenty of stars and wildlife as well. Campground is ok, but again, for the proximity to Chicago you can't beat it.

Hiking spots in the Chicago Area?

jcmacsue1 — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 11:20:07 GMT

I realize this is kind of late in 'replying', but thought I would put in a word just in case. This, being Illinois/midwest area, is not a super place to hike i fyou like 'rough' terrain. However, I do camp often in the area. I like the Chain-of-lakes state park. It has many trails that wind nicely through a relatively small area. It is nestled along the fox river, with access to the waterways (you need a sticker to use the lakes, though). Also, IL beach state park in Zion is nice enough for camping--you can camp just beyond the beach--hear the water and watch teh stars over the lake. If you check out the IL DNR website, you can find lots of options available. If you do not mind a bit of a drive, there is always starved rock in Utica, and Mississippi Palisades S.P. just north of Savannah. If you like Eagle watching go during the winter months along the Mississippi, south of Dubuque--check out areas near the dams, you could 'google'/map it.

Hiking spots in the Chicago Area?

wanttohike — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:49:22 GMT

I came across your question and just had to reply, even if a few weeks have passed since you posted it. I lived in Chicago and once posted the exact question online and never got any responses. So although I moved from Chicago in 2000, and I'm going from memory, I'll give you the best hiking I found.

I have hiked a couple of hundred miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine and New Hampshire, so I was looking for good hiking and great views. The best hiking I found was at the bottom of the state on a 20-30 mile long trail called the "River to River" trail. It's about a 2 day hike. I found a person willing to pick me up at my car, shuttle me 20 miles down the trail, and I hiked back. It was easy and level hiking, not vista-kind of views, but nice terrain and nature. I just pitched my tent along the trail. Also, you'll need a topo map of the trail (I think bought a little book about the trail online). There is a two mile stretch where the trail just ends/stops/fades away. That break is on the map and you'll you'll have to bushwhack using plain-old compass/topo skills. It was actually pretty easy to navigate but one hickup to prepare for.

I also hiked a number of times in Wisconsin in the Kettle Morraines. Only about two hours from Chi-town. The hiking was also easy and I never got that sense like I was in the middle of nowhere. Once, I hiked along a trail through with some friends and there were leantos every 10-12 miles that we could hike to and sleep in. It was pretty cool but the sleeping was on a hard bunk. There was one site without a stream but there was a spring. I had a water filter I was just dying to use, and put it to good work getting water for the four of us. You could find the state park and call them. I'm sure they'll point you to the right place.

Beyond that, I went looking from park to park in downtown and the suburbs. Really, they are all very suburbanish with families playing frisbee and listening to loud music. Lincoln Park is probably the best. Not exactly hiking, but a nice walk in the park.

You're going to have a hard time finding good hiking until you head east to the eastern edge of Ohio or into Pennsylvania. Likewise, you'll have a hard time finding good hiking to the west until you get to Utah or the Rockies (hiked/been in both those mountain ranges too). Obviously, too far to go for star gazing.

Lastly, just plain old stargazing ought to be pretty easy. I'm sure the northwest suburbs have been built up since I left, but I lived in Mundelein for a couple of years and it was pretty boonyville. You could easily head up there and be far enough from the city to see stars.

Also, when I lived there, North Face was in downtown on Michigan Avenue. I'm sure you could visit/call and they could fill you in on these places and more.

So those are my two cents. Have a great time and let me know what you find.

Hiking spots in the Chicago Area?

SHC-ScottFM — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:30:32 GMT

Anyone out there have any recommendations for good hiking/camping spots in the Chicago area? I want to get far enough away to be able to see some stars.