So you like to hike? The Great Plains are oft-overlooked when it comes to hiking, since most people associate hiking with at least some vertical traveling. Illinois may be flat, but these lands still offer plenty of beautiful walking, running, and yes, hiking opportunities-something some Streamwood and Schaumburg residents sometimes forget. Below, the staff of Elgin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram was nice enough to share the best spots to go Hiking in Elgin, IL.
Tyler Creek Forest Preserve
Y'all like to go down to the creek? The Tyler Creek Forest Preserve (401 Davis Road) is a slice of heaven, thanks in part to the fact that it's part of a habitat restoration program. This means you'll see rare plants that are otherwise disappearing from Illinois. Tyler Creek is at the center of this multipurpose urban open space, and it's surrounded by hiking and biking trails, along with a large picnic shelter.
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
Enjoy a beautiful crook of the Fox River with hiking rails, a boat launch, and picnic areas, all within the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve (35W003 State Rte 31). Fishing and bird watching, or simply skipping stones in the water, are a few other activities to enjoy along the river's edge. You'll even find the occasional corner of undisturbed prairie here and there, along with an 8-foot-high waterfall, which is south along the riverbend.
Paul Wolff Campground
Who does Paul Wolff think he is, having such a nice campground? Located within Burnidge Forest Preserve, you're welcome to camp in your tent, pop-up trailer, or motorhome at Paul Wolff Campground (38W235 Big Timber Road). There are even equestrian sites in case you want to camp with some horse friends. Needless to say, the rolling, hilly surroundings covered in wildflowers make for one of the best camping sites in Kane County. Camping season runs from May 1 to Oct. 31 each year. Fees range from $15 to $35 a day, depending on the campsite and whether you're a resident. You got a nice place, Paul!
Notable Mentions: Hiking in Kane County
We're blessed to have such an abundance of beautiful forest preserve in Kane County. Below are a few of our other favorite spots that we feel you should check out!
- Bluff Spring Fen (Spring Grove Avenue)
- Hawthorne Hill Nature Center (28 Brookside Drive)
- Elgin Shores Forest Preserve (772 S State Street)
- Kenyon Farm Forest Preserve (898 Mill Street, South)
Camp with Elgin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
See, you don't have to go far from the hustle and bustle of Chicago to find beautiful spots to hike, bike, fish, and camp. For those from the Chicago and Arlington Heights areas who are grateful for the above suggestions, no need to thank us! It's our passion to help you find spots to enjoy in Elgin, like the multiple Elgin museums. That and selling fantastic Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep vehicles in Elgin, that is.