Hiking along the trails in Matthiessen State Park, hikers will enjoy beautiful scenery as they travel through and above a scenic sandstone canyon that offers lots of solitude and shade. There is a creek running along much of the hike that creates some nice pools and dramatic waterfalls. Some stream crossings may be required, especially to get good views of the waterfalls. There is also Lake Matthiessen along the northern end of the area that makes for a nice place to stop and visit. The state park is less-visited than Starved Rock State Park just a few miles away making it a nice option for hikers looking to avoid the crowds. The state park offers picnic areas and restrooms.

This section of the Des Plaines River Trail travels along the northern section of the trail between the Russell Road parking area just south of the Wisconsin/Illinois border to the Kilbourne Road parking area south of Highway 41. The trail follows the path of the Des Plaines River past multiple lakes and ponds, forest preserves, wetland areas, and natural areas that are home to abundant scenery, wildlife, and plantlife. The trail follows mostly flat terrain that is easy to follow making it a good option for riders of all skill levels. The trail is crushed limestone and dirt surface and is multi-use so watch out for other users along the route. The trail can be done as an out-and-back route or one-way route by shuttling vehicles between the many access areas along the trail.

The mountain bike trails in Kickapoo State Park provide some of the best trails and beautiful scenery Illinois has to offer. The network of trails consists of 5 loops that can be combined for a total of 6 miles of riding. This ride utilizes sections of these trails for a loop through the area but there are obviously many more trip options available. The trails provide lots of ups and downs through wooded terrain that add some fun challenge. The ride also provides some nice scenery as it travels over small creeks and passes by a lake. The trails are well-marked and contain arrows showing recommended direction of travel. Checking out the trail map of the area is advisable to get a good concept of how all the trails can connect.

Located along the Fox River, Saw Week Kee Park offers an excellent trail system for mountain bikers looking for a little challenge. The trails vary in difficulty giving riders of all skill levels multiple riding options. This loop ride covers just a portion of the trails within the park but there are multiple connecting paths and trails along the way. The park is a natural area so riders are only allowed on marked trails. There are dirt mounds, uneven trail, and lots of roller coaster terrain to make the ride enjoyable. The trails are also open to hikers, equestrian, and cross-country skiing so pay close attention to others along the trail as well as wildlife.

Located just 20 miles from downtown Chicago, this scenic hike leads through wooded terrain that follows the Salt Creek through Fullersburg County Forest Preserve. The area offers a natural setting in an busy suburban area with lots of opportunity for birdwatching and viewing wildlife. The crushed gravel trail leads to multiple islands, a historic watermill, and nature education center that provides information and displays about the history and wildlife of the preserve. There are fees to tour the mill and set operating hours for the mill and visitor center depending on the day and time of year.

This loop hike follows the longest trail within the preserve leading hikers through diverse habitats to include wooded ravines, tallgrass prairies, seeps, and small ponds and creeks. There are some short but steep climbs throughout the route as well as multiple stream crossings. The diverse habitats of the area are home to a variety of plantlife and birdlife. There are some designated campsites available for overnight trips in the preserve. The trail does require preregistering in advance for a minimal fee so contact the nature preserve before setting out. There are other trails that do not require any type of registration for hikers who have not registered to hike the backpack trail.

Located just 60 miles from downtown Chicago, Goose Lake Prairie State Park provides scenic landscape that includes multiple ponds, tallgrass prairies, and marshes that are home to diverse vegetation and abundant wildlife. The northern Tallgrass Trail leads to a historic cabin and observation point. The southern Prairie View Trail leads to a hilltop overlook that provides excellent views of the small ponds and marshes in the surrounding area. The preserve provides excellent birdwatching and wildlife viewing as well as a nature center with exhibits that provide information about the preserve. The trails in the preserve can be combined for one long hike or done separately for shorter trips.

Located on a bluff that was once an island in the Illinois River, Buffalo Rock State Park offers excellent views of the river below and an interesting display of earth sculptures created as tribute to Native Americans who once inhabited the land. The sculpted mounds, known as Effigy Tumuli, were created by Michael Heizer and represent five different creatures native to the area. There are signs marking each sculpture but some additional off-trail hiking and exploration will probably be needed to more clearly identify the creations. The section of trail close to the river provides an observation deck that is great for birdwatching and viewing the river. There are restrooms, picnic areas, and limited primitive camping available within the park.

This popular forest preserve is located less than 30 miles from downtown Chicago and provides hikers and bikers with miles of trails that explore the scenic terrain of rolling woodlands, marshes, ponds, and streams. There is also a waterfall along the hike as well as some overlook spots for the Des Plaines River. The main crushed gravel trail is mostly used for biking and hiking and there are additional connecting side trails within the preserve that also be used to explore the area. The trails are multi-use and popular with bikers, horseback riders, and runners also so watch out for others while on the trail.

Located just over 20 miles from downtown Chicago, this loop trail explores multiple wooded areas and scenic lakes located in a beautiful and peaceful nature preserve. The area offers excellent opportunity for viewing wildlife and birdwatching. The trail is primarily dirt and gravel and is popular with hikers and bikers. There are multiple access points and connecting trails along the route providing hikers with the option of adding mileage to explore more of the area or shortening the trip by hiking just portions of the trail.