The best walks and hikes around Glenview
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Hiking around Glenview, Illinois, features trails through local forest preserves and along river corridors. The landscape is characterized by woodlands, wetlands, and the waterways of the Skokie Lagoons and the North Branch of the Chicago River. Most routes are relatively flat, offering a mix of paved and unpaved paths. These areas provide diverse scenery, including floodplains, savannas, and restored prairies.
Best hiking trails around Glenview
- The most popular hiking route is Lake Glenview Loop, a 2.3 miles (3.6 km)β¦
Last updated: April 26, 2026
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hikers
3.64km
00:55
10m
10m
Embark on an easy hike around the scenic Lake Glenview Loop, a 2.3-mile (3.6 km) route that offers a peaceful escape within Gallery Park. You will experience a minimal elevationβ¦
3
hikers
20.5km
05:10
30m
30m
Hike the 12.8-mile North Branch Trail: Skokie Lagoons Loop, a difficult route with 83 feet of elevation gain, exploring scenic lagoons and w
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1
hikers
2.28km
00:34
0m
0m
This easy 1.4-mile hike in The Grove National Historic Landmark offers a peaceful stroll with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a quick ou
4.14km
01:03
10m
10m
Hike the easy 2.6-mile Des Plaines River Trail Yellow Unpaved through woodlands and wetlands in Camp Pine Woods Preserve.
3.71km
00:56
10m
10m
Hike the easy 2.3-mile North Branch Red Paved Trail through Cook County's forest preserves, following the Chicago River and spotting wildlif
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Tips from the Community
If you are biking along the North Branch Red Paved Trail or the dirt horse trail that follows the Skokie River, you'll pass through a bunch of different parks and preserves. The Watersmeet Woods is one of those natural preserves that the trails pass through.
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This forested area sits just south of the Skokie Lagoons, with the North Branch Paved Yellow Trail running alongside the Skokie River. Itβs a great place to ride with a fresh breeze and plenty of shade. You can follow the path all the way to Watersmeet Woods.
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The southern portion of Skokie Lagoons is where the North Branch Paved Red Trail runs through a shaded area alongside the Skokie River West Ditchβa refreshing and less busy stretch to ride near the lagoons.
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Discover the historical tapestry of Blue Star Memorial Woods, a site with a rich past. Amidst the enchanting oak woodland community at its core, remnants of its diverse history unfold, including traces of a Prisoner of War Camp and a CCC Camp. Bunkers scattered throughout bear witness to the site's multifaceted journey, while carefully planted trees, like Catalpa and Scotch Pine, add a touch of curated charm to this captivating natural space.
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This stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail at Camp Pine Woods Forest Preserve brings cyclists along a wide gravel path through a mix of oak-hickory woodlands and maple forests, set near the river. Surrounded by natural areas like sedge meadows and savannas, itβs a quiet spot with historical ties to a former WWII POW camp.
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This stretch of the Des Plaines River Trail at Camp Pine Woods Forest Preserve brings hikers along a wide gravel path through a mix of oak-hickory woodlands and maple forests, set near the river. Surrounded by natural areas like sedge meadows and savannas, itβs a quiet spot with historical ties to a former WWII POW camp.
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The trails surrounding Skokie Lagoon are smoothly paved and include gentle hills. Truly a lovely path two steps away from the Chicago Botanic Gardens!
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The trails surrounding Skokie Lagoon are smoothly paved and include gentle hills. Truly a lovely path two steps away from the Chicago Botanic Gardens!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good places to hike in the Glenview area?
Glenview is surrounded by excellent forest preserves perfect for hiking.
The Grove is a highly-rated National Historic Landmark with trails through prairie and woodland. For a more immersive woodland experience, Harms Woods offers a mix of paved and unpaved paths along the Chicago River. The vast Skokie Lagoons area is another local favorite, providing waterside trails for longer walks.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly hikes in Glenview?
Yes, most trails in the area are relatively flat and accessible. For a straightforward paved walk, the Harms Woods & Blue Star Memorial Woods via North Branch Red Paved Trail is a great option. It's about 3 miles long and connects two lovely forest preserves.
Can I take my dog on the trails?
Most trails within the Forest Preserves of Cook County, including those in and around Glenview, are dog-friendly. However, dogs are generally required to be on a leash. Always check the specific rules posted at the trailhead before you start your hike.
What are the trail surfaces like? Are there paved paths?
The trails around Glenview offer a mix of surfaces. You'll find many paved multi-use paths, especially along the North Branch Trail System which runs through places like Harms Woods. There are also plenty of unpaved, natural-surface footpaths for a more traditional hiking experience, particularly within Harms Woods Nature Preserve and around the Skokie Lagoons.
Are there any good circular walks or loop hikes?
Definitely. A popular choice is the South Skokie Lagoons loop, a 3.5-mile circuit with great water views. It's an easy walk that follows the shoreline of the southern lagoons.
What's a good option for a longer hike?
For those looking to cover more distance, the Des Plaines River Trail to Cahokia Flatwoods offers an extended hike of over 11 miles. This route connects multiple forest preserves, showcasing the diverse riverine and woodland landscapes of the region.
What is the best time of year to hike around Glenview?
Hiking in Glenview is enjoyable year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring is fantastic for wildflowers, especially in Harms Woods Nature Preserve. Summer provides lush green scenery, while autumn brings beautiful fall colors to the woodlands. Winter hiking and cross-country skiing are also popular, particularly after a fresh snowfall.
Are there any trails with waterfalls near Glenview?
While the immediate Glenview area is mostly flat, you can find a waterfall at the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in nearby Darien. It's a popular destination with a well-known loop trail that leads to a small, scenic cascade.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The natural areas around Glenview are rich in wildlife. The Grove and Harms Woods are excellent spots for birdwatching. Along the rivers and lagoons, you might see waterfowl, turtles, and frogs. It's also common to encounter deer, squirrels, and other woodland creatures throughout the forest preserves.
Where can I find unpaved, natural trails?
For a more rustic hiking experience on unpaved paths, head to the Harms Woods West loop. This trail winds through the dedicated Harms Woods Nature Preserve, offering a peaceful walk through the forest away from paved surfaces.
How many hiking trails are available around Glenview?
There are over 60 curated hiking routes around Glenview on komoot. These range from short, easy walks in local parks to longer treks that connect multiple forest preserves, offering plenty of options for all ability levels.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Glenview?
The hiking routes in this area are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.9 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful woodland scenery, and the peaceful atmosphere along the rivers and lagoons.
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