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Chicagoland's Best Fall Hiking Trails for Stunning Views
The Chicago area offers spectacular fall foliage, and October is the perfect month to get outside and explore our stunning parks and trails. With colors typically peaking in mid to late October, our real estate agents are excited to share some of their favorite destinations for fall foliage hikes in Chicagoland.
Fullersburg Woods - Oak Brook, IL
Address: 3609 Spring Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523
The beautiful Fullersburg Woods is a 220-acre DuPage County Forest Preserve in the western suburb of Oak Brook. Just 35 minutes from Downtown Chicago, the preserve offers 7-plus miles of trails that meander through picturesque woodlands and prairies along Salt Creek. Leashed pets are welcome, and the crushed-gravel surface of most trails makes them easy for families with kids. Highlights include the Riverbend and Night Heron Trail loop, which stretches 2.5 miles, and the easy 1.5-mile Interpretive Trail, a great introduction for anyone looking for a quick nature walk.
North Branch Trail - Chicago, IL
Address: 4498 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Cook County's North Branch Trail follows roughly 20 miles of the North Branch of the Chicago River, traversing a series of forest preserves through multiple neighborhoods. This paved multi-use path offers beautiful woodland scenery and easy access, with dozens of convenient trailheads. The southern terminus of the trail—and closest to Downtown Chicago—is located at the Irene C. Hernandez Family Picnic Grove in North Park.
Deer Grove - Palatine, IL
Address: W Dundee Rd, Palatine, IL 60067
A charming preserve spanning nearly 2,000 acres in the north Chicago suburbs, Deer Grove is Cook County's oldest forest preserve. Wild and densely wooded, this area has a reputation as one of the best preserves in the state, and it's absolutely stunning in the fall. Experiences include 15.5 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and fishing and kayaking on Deer Grove Lake.
Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL
Address: 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532
Morton Arboretum is a sprawling outdoor museum and garden with multiple themed woodland areas offering an amazing variety of fall colors. The arboretum offers 16 miles of easy hiking trails, many of which are flat and paved, making them both kid- and stroller-friendly. It's a beautiful place to experience in any season, with sections like the Oak Collection and Schulenberg Prairie being especially scenic in fall. The Morton Arboretum is just 40 minutes from Downtown Chicago in the western suburb of Lisle.
Starved Rock State Park - Oglesby, IL
Address: Unnamed Road, Oglesby, IL 61348
About 90 minutes southwest of Chicago and a stone's throw from Naperville, Starved Rock State Park and neighboring Matthiessen State Park are among the best places to experience a truly wild setting near Chicago. Starved Rock is simply stunning in fall, with changing foliage adding brilliant colors to the park's unique rock formations, canyons, and scenic overlooks. Experiences in the park include 13 miles of trails, over 10 waterfalls, camping for tents and RVs, and fishing and boating access on the Illinois River.
Chicago Lakefront Trail - Chicago, IL
Address: 2529 E South Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60649
Hugging the shoreline of Lake Michigan for 18 miles, the Chicago Lakefront Trail is a great resource for runners, cyclists, and anyone who wants to enjoy the fresh lake breezes in Chicagoland. From its southernmost point on 71st Street to its northern terminus on Ardmore Avenue, the trail provides widely varied scenery, passing through multiple public parks and spanning neighborhoods from South Shore to Edgewater.
Ready to explore more of what Chicagoland has to offer? Contact us today to talk with our real estate agents about finding your dream home in Chicagoland.
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