Located at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, this large state park offers miles of trails that explore the scenic and diverse landscape of rolling hills, wooded ravines, and high bluffs with excellent views of the river below. The state park is known for its beautiful colors during the fall and bald eagle viewings during the winter. This hike is done by utilizing multiple connecting trails within the park to complete a long loop. The trails can be broken up and hiked individually for shorter distances giving hikers of all skill levels plenty of opportunity to enjoy the area.

Sand Ridge State Park is located in the largest state forest in all of illinois and boasts a variety of terrain including dense forests, open grasslands, and unique dirt prairies. Due to the diverse and dry desert-like terrain of some of the state park, the wildlife and plantlife is very diverse with lots of variety. Birdwatching is especially popular in the area. This hike utilizes multiple trails and a dirt road within the park to complete a loop through the southern portion of the state park. There are numerous connecting trails that provide hikers with abundant hiking possibilities. The state park offers picnic areas and campgrounds.

Located on the north side of the town of Perkin, the McNaughton Park trail system offers excellent trails for mountain biking and hiking in a peaceful and natural setting. There are multiple trail segments and loops that can be combined to customize the perfect ride so checking out a trail map of the area may be useful before setting out. This route follows multiple trails within the system to complete a fun and scenic figure-eight through the wooded terrain. The ride follows all dirt and grass trails with some nice climbs and descents along the way that will provide a little challenge. There are also a few manmade obstacles within the park to add additional technical challenge.

Leading along the western shores of Cedar Lake, this trail provides excellent scenery and good views of the lake as it leads through forest terrain that is home to abundant wildlife. The trail is all natural surface and is popular for hiking and horseback riding. There are some steep sections along the trail that can be physically strenuous and slippery. There are multiple trailheads and parking areas that can be used to access the trail.

This trail is located south of Cedar Lake and leads through dense and lush woodlands along the shores of a small cove of the lake. The trail passes over a spillway that is scenic but can be slippery so be cautious. There is lots of interesting wildlife and plantlife along the route that also includes poisonous snakes and poisonous plants so wear pants and watch where you walk. The road to the trailhead can be rough and is only passable by high-clearance vehicles so walking the rough dirt road to the trailhead may by required.

Located in Siloam Springs State Park, this short loop trail leads through a dense hardwood forest where hikers can enjoy lots of beautiful wildflowers as well as abundant wildlife. There is some elevation change along the hike making it a little more strenuous than other hikes in the park but nothing too difficult. The trail can be combined with many of the other trails in the park for a longer day hike if desired. The state park also offers primitive campsites and boating and fishing at Crabapple Lake.

This part of the trail is for hikers and cross-country skiers. Equestrians use an additional path that can be hiked also. Around the lake, you will have the opportunity of bird watching during spring and fall. Fishing is popular also. Hiking is free, camping a fee is required.

This hike follows the longest trail located within Siloam Springs State Park as it leads through dense hardwood forests full of wildlife and beautiful wildflowers. The trail does have some elevation change as it travels over some ravines and hilly terrain. There is also a designated primitive campsite area available along this trail for backpackers on an overnight outing. There are other trails within the state park that can connect to the Red Oak Backpack Trail for hikers who want to explore more of the area during their trip. The state park also offers picnic areas and a lake for boating and fishing.