How many hiking trails are listed near Chicago?

The directory currently includes 110 quality-checked routes near Chicago, covering 845 km of mapped lines. These are routes with a traceable source, sufficient geometry and elevation data.

Which route ranks highest near Chicago?

OBT-8 currently has the highest directory score in this set. Compare its distance, ascent and route type with OBT-7 and OBT-5 before choosing.

When should you hike near Chicago?

Varies by region is the season stored for this place in the directory. It is not a live conditions report: consult the route source, land manager and local forecast before travelling.

Are there routes rated easy near Chicago?

75 routes are rated easy by the directory’s distance-and-elevation model. The rating does not rule out rough surface, exposure or temporary hazards, so verify the individual route.

How is “near Chicago” defined?

Routes on this page are linked within a 60 km radius of the city. Distances are geographic straight-line measurements, not driving times; open each route to plan the actual journey.

What is the closest hike to Chicago?

OBT-1 is the nearest mapped route, about 3.4 km from the city centre.

Illinois, United States

Hiking trails near Chicago

110 quality-checked hiking routes are currently mapped within 60 km of Chicago, Illinois, United States. Together their route lines cover 845 km. The average route is 7.7 km with 24 m (79 ft) of recorded ascent.

110
Trails: 60 km
Search radius: 75
Easy routes: 3.4 km
Closest

The directory difficulty mix is 75 easy (68%), 24 moderate (22%) and 11 hard or expert (10%). 28 routes (25%) are recorded as loops. Difficulty is calculated from available distance and elevation data; it is not a statement about technical terrain or current conditions.

The most frequent route tags are forest (45), lake (5), desert (4), mountain (4). The highest recorded point in this set is 288 m (945 ft). The place-level planning field lists varies by region as the preferred season; check each route and official notices for live access and weather. OBT-8, OBT-7, OBT-5 currently lead this page’s directory ranking, which uses route completeness and computed route scores rather than editorial field testing.

Choose by the details

How do these routes differ?

A closer look at the first 6 routes in this page’s default ordering. These comparisons describe this sample, not the entire destination or a field-tested recommendation.

Shortest mapped distance in this sample

2.4 km

Red Trail @ Grassy Lake Forest Preserve

Compare the climbing too; shortest does not necessarily mean easiest.

Lowest recorded ascent in this sample

15 m

Red Trail @ Grassy Lake Forest Preserve

6 of 6 have ascent data. Missing measurements are excluded.

Return logistics

0 recorded loops

Check start and finish for every option. An unknown shape does not mean a loop, and a loop does not establish access to its start.

Plan the return journey →

Comparison of the first 6 listed routes
Route	Distance	Ascent	Moving time	Shape
OBT-7	68.8 km	36 m	16 hr	Point to point
OBT-8	60.2 km	68 m	14 hr	Point to point
OBT-5	57.6 km	123 m	13 hr	Point to point
DLT h - N. Lake to Midwest Rd	8.8 km	34 m	1 hr 54 min	Point to point
ADT - Illinois - I - Seg 1	63.6 km	81 m	14 hr	Point to point
Red Trail @ Grassy Lake Forest Preserve	2.4 km	15 m	31 min	Point to point

Distances follow stored route lines; ascent and time are estimates. Current access, surface and technical difficulty need separate checks. How to turn a comparison into a shortlist.