The best walks and hikes around Hodgkins
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724
hikers
81
hikes
Hiking around Hodgkins, Illinois, offers access to rare prairie ecosystems and diverse natural landscapes. The region is characterized by unique habitats such as mesic, dry-mesic gravel, and dolomite prairies, alongside wetlands and woodlands. These areas are often found within protected forest preserves, providing varied terrain for outdoor exploration. The local environment features distinct geological and botanical elements, including stunted plants rooted in limestone in dolomite prairies.
Best hiking trails around Hodgkins
- The most popular hiking route is Palos Trail System:…
Last updated: May 16, 2026
5.0
(3)
22
hikers
10.6km
02:47
90m
90m
Embark on the Palos Orange Trail, a moderate hiking route spanning 6.6 miles (10.6 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 289 feet (88 metres). You can expect to complete…
7
hikers
18.8km
04:57
170m
150m
Hike the moderate 11.7-mile Maple Lake Singletrack Loop in Palos Preserves, featuring woodlands, lakes, and rolling hills.
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3
hikers
8.12km
02:06
50m
50m
Hike the moderate 5.0 miles (8.1 km) Orange, Yellow, and Brown Loop in Palos Forest Preserves, featuring woodlands and Cranberry Slough.
3
hikers
9.72km
02:32
60m
70m
Hike the moderate 6.0-mile Arie Crown Yellow Trail Loop through woods, past wildflowers, and with glimpses of Ida Lake.
1
hikers
8.72km
02:12
10m
10m
Hike the moderate 5.4-mile Salt Creek Greenway: Black Paved Section, a smooth, scenic route through prairies and woods near Chicago.
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Tips from the Community
The surrounding forest and the variety of migratory birds spotted at Maple Lake make it a peaceful stop while hiking in Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve. The lake supports a healthy ecosystem for aquatic plants and animals, so take your time to observe and appreciate it.
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The Chicago Portage National Historic Site is a site that memorializes the importance of the area in the exploration of this part of the country. To commemorate the importance of the area, there is a memorial depicting the portage of French explorers.
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This little slough is one of many wetlands sprinkled throughout the Paw Paw Nature Preserve, which is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The preserve is threaded through with fun singletrack trails, but you'll need to leave Fido at home: Dogs are not allowed.
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This 372-acre preserve is home to a unique peat bog ecosystem and has some well maintained trails connecting to the nearby woods and nature preserves.
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Spears Woods is a wooded area 470 acres in size. Here, visitors can find oak groves, woodland, savanna, prairie, sedge meadow, freshwater marsh, and stream habitats. It is easy to access this area of the Palos Trail System. Spears Woods is nice to visit year-round, as snow does not get too deep in the winter. Hikers can take a quick nature walk or take a long hike. In the 2010s, it was a major focus for ecological restoration, and the efforts have paid off in this blooming ecosystem.
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beware the brown trail when wet (m.u.d.)
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This path is suitable for gravel cycling. It is located in the Willow Spring Wood.
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The Tomahawk Slough is a popular lake for fishing enthusiasts. It's a place rich in biodiversity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Hodgkins?
Hodgkins offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities, with nearly 90 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging excursions, ensuring there's something for every hiker.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in Hodgkins?
Yes, Hodgkins has over 50 easy hiking trails. A great option for a relaxed walk is the Spears Woods to Willow Springs Loop, which is 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long and leads through pleasant woodlands. Another accessible choice is the Maple Lake loop from Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve, an easy 5.1 km route.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see while hiking in Hodgkins?
Hodgkins is unique for its rare prairie ecosystems, including high-quality mesic, dry-mesic gravel, and dolomite prairies. You'll encounter diverse native plants and wildlife, wetlands, and woodlands, often within protected forest preserves. The dolomite prairies, with plants rooted in limestone, offer a particularly distinctive geological and botanical experience.
Are there any long-distance hiking options near Hodgkins?
For those seeking longer routes, the Palos Trail System: Maple Lake Singletrack Loop is a substantial 11.7 miles (18.8 km) trail, offering varied terrain within the broader forest preserve system. Another good option is the Yellow East Trail, which spans 14.4 km.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Hodgkins?
The hiking trails in Hodgkins are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.9 stars from over 160 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the unique prairie landscapes, and the peaceful atmosphere for connecting with nature.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the Hodgkins area?
Yes, many trails in Hodgkins are designed as loops. Popular circular routes include the Arie Crown Yellow Trail Loop, a moderate 6.0 miles (9.7 km) path, and the shorter Spears Woods to Willow Springs Loop.
What are some interesting places or natural features to explore near the hiking trails?
Beyond the trails themselves, you can explore several natural highlights. Consider visiting Brookfield Woods for its forest environment, or the Cal-Sag Trail. For unique water features, the Sawmill Creek Bridge at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a notable spot. The region also features several lakes and sloughs like Saganashkee Slough and Bullfrog Lake.
Are there any trails that offer views of lakes or water bodies?
Yes, several trails are near or pass by local water bodies. The Palos Trail System: Maple Lake Singletrack Loop is situated within an area featuring Maple Lake. Additionally, you can find highlights like Saganashkee Slough and Bullfrog Lake in the vicinity, offering scenic waterside views.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Hodgkins?
The diverse prairies of Hodgkins offer unique beauty throughout the seasons. Late summer is particularly vibrant, especially in the dolomite prairies, where you can see the pinks of rough blazing star. Spring and early summer also provide excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of native plants and birdlife.
Are there any hidden gem trails or less-known spots for hiking in Hodgkins?
The Santa Fe Prairie Nature Preserve in Hodgkins is often considered a 'hidden gem.' It's recognized for its rare, high-quality mesic and dry-mesic gravel prairie, offering a tranquil setting with approximately 225 recorded native plant species and excellent bird-watching opportunities on its well-maintained trails.
Can I find trails that are suitable for bird watching in Hodgkins?
Absolutely. The Santa Fe Prairie Nature Preserve is an excellent spot for bird watching, thanks to its diverse ecosystem and native plant species. The various forest preserves and wetlands in the region also provide habitats for a wide array of birdlife.
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