The best walks and hikes around Hickory Hills
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Hiking trails near Hickory Hills Illinois are primarily located within the Palos Trail System, the largest area of preserved land in Cook County. The region's landscape is a product of the Valparaiso Moraine, resulting in rolling hills, oak-hickory forests, prairies, and wetlands. Hikers can explore routes that pass by scenic features like Bullfrog Lake and Maple Lake.
Best hiking trails around Hickory Hills
- The most popular hiking route is Palos Yellow Single Track Trail — Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve, a 8.9 mile (14.4 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 40 minutes to complete. This route explores the bluff and floodplain forests native to the Des Plaines River Valley.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Bullfrog Lake loop from Palos Hills, a moderate 9.3 mile (15.0 km) path. The trail circles the lake and traverses the surrounding woodlands.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Maple Lake loop from Palos Hills, a 3.1 mile (5.0 km) trail leading through a mix of forest and lakeside scenery, often completed in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Hiking around Hickory Hills is defined by rolling hills, extensive oak-hickory forests, and numerous lakes and wetlands. The large network of interconnected trails offers options for both short, easy walks and longer, more challenging hikes.
- The routes in Hickory Hills are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 120 reviews. More than 570 hikers have used komoot to explore Hickory Hills's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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4.64km
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Embark on the Palos Yellow and Purple Loop, an easy hike that guides you through a diverse forested environment, offering plenty of shade. You will encounter varied terrain, from unpaved doubletrack paths to sections with noticeable inclines, making it surprisingly hilly for the Chicagoland area. This route covers 2.9 miles (4.6 km) with a gentle 197 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete.
When planning your visit, be aware that this is a multi-use trail system. You will share the path with mountain bikers, runners, and equestrians, so yielding to others is important for trail etiquette. The Yellow Trail, in particular, is frequently used by horses, so you might encounter horse droppings. Parking is generally available at trailheads within the Palos Preserves, making access straightforward.
As you hike, keep an eye out for the unique peat bog ecosystem of the Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve, a notable feature of the area. This trail offers a chance to spot local wildlife, including white-tailed deer and a variety of bird species, adding to the natural appeal of your outdoor experience.
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This easy 3.5-mile hiking loop in the Palos Trail System offers diverse woodlands, prairies, and the unique Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve
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18.8km
04:57
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Hike the moderate 11.7-mile Maple Lake Singletrack Loop in Palos Preserves, featuring woodlands, lakes, and rolling hills.
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1.70km
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Enjoy an easy 1.1-mile hike around Lake Katherine in Palos Heights, Illinois, perfect for a quick, accessible outdoor experience.
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8.12km
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Hike the moderate 5.0 miles (8.1 km) Orange, Yellow, and Brown Loop in Palos Forest Preserves, featuring woodlands and Cranberry Slough.
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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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This is an incredible gravel trail, pretty large and definitely well-maintained! Plus, keep your eyes peeled for some majestic deer! 🤩
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McClaughry Springs Woods is a preserved area along the Mill Creek, with a packed-dirt trail system that goes through the green forest. During winter you can find the preserved area with a soft blanket of snow covering the land. This a great place to birdwatch, as it’s a migratory hotspot to more than 120 species of birds.
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One of the country's oldest and largest conservation districts, this park encompasses nearly 70,000 acres of managed land. With over 40 miles of unpaved trails, it is an ideal destination for hikers, runners, and bikers.
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This area provides a tranquil experience in a lush green environment, connecting with the Palos Trail System. It features picnic areas and expansive open fields, providing excellent spots to take a break.
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Trails from the Palos Trail System wind through rolling hills and deep ravines, offering a scenic journey through lush greenery. Birdwatching is excellent in this area, with a diverse range of 120 bird species.
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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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Discover gardens, a waterfall, lakeside trails & native trees in the beautiful nature center and botanic gardens. The lake and gardens are free to enter and provide a beautiful location for a family-friendly stroll.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the Hickory Hills area?
Yes, the area offers several easier trails perfect for a family outing. For a shorter walk, consider the Hiking loop from Palos Hills. This 3.4-mile (5.5 km) trail is generally flat and provides a pleasant experience through the woods without significant climbs.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Hickory Hills?
Yes, dogs are welcome on most trails in the Palos Trail System, provided they are leashed. The extensive network of paths offers plenty of space for you and your canine companion to explore the forests and meadows. Always check local signage at trailheads for specific regulations.
Where can I find parking for the Palos Trail System?
There are numerous parking lots throughout the Forest Preserves of Cook County that provide access to the Palos Trail System. Popular starting points with ample parking include the lots near Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve and the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center. It's best to arrive early on weekends as these spots can fill up quickly.
Are there any paved trails for hiking or walking?
While the Palos Trail System is best known for its unpaved single-track and wider dirt trails, there are some paved sections available. These are often multi-use paths suitable for walking, cycling, and strollers. For a dedicated paved experience, you might explore trails in nearby forest preserves, but the core Hickory Hills hiking experience is on natural surfaces.
What are the trail conditions like in the Palos Preserves?
The trails are mostly dirt and crushed limestone, winding through rolling, forested terrain. They can become muddy and slippery after rain, especially in lower-lying areas. The paths are generally well-maintained, but it's always a good idea to wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip.
How does hiking in Hickory Hills compare to Waterfall Glen?
Both offer excellent hiking, but with different characteristics. The Palos Trail System near Hickory Hills is known for its vast, interconnected network of hilly, single-track trails through dense oak-hickory forests. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve features a main, wide, crushed-gravel loop that is relatively flat, making it very popular for runners and walkers, in addition to its namesake waterfall.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The diverse habitats of the Palos Preserves, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, support a variety of wildlife. It's common to see white-tailed deer, squirrels, and numerous bird species. Near water features like Bullfrog Lake or the wetlands in Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve, you might also spot waterfowl, turtles, and beavers.
Are there any challenging hikes in the area?
Yes, while many trails are moderate, you can find a challenge by combining different loops to create a long-distance hike with significant cumulative elevation gain. The Dan McMahon Woods to Spear Woods loop is a great example of a moderately challenging 6.2-mile (10 km) route through the rolling topography of the Cranberry Slough area.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails around Hickory Hills?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the feeling of being immersed in nature so close to the city, the extensive and well-marked trail system, and the beautiful rolling hills that offer a more engaging hike than typical Midwestern terrain.
What is the landscape like around Hickory Hills?
The hiking is defined by the rolling hills of the Valparaiso Moraine. You'll hike through expansive oak-hickory forests, open prairies, and around numerous scenic lakes and wetlands. This varied terrain provides a rich and dynamic hiking experience that changes with the seasons.
Are there any notable nature preserves to visit for hiking?
Absolutely. The area is home to several important preserves.
Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve is a local favorite, featuring a unique glacial peat bog and a mosaic of prairie and savanna with miles of trails.
Paw Paw Woods Nature Preserve, one of the oldest in Illinois, protects the unique bluff and floodplain forests along the Des Plaines River Valley.
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