Starved Rock
I'll be the first to admit that there aren't a lot of real hiking opportunities in Illinois. After all, we're the second-flattest state in the entire U.S. Even despite that, our state is home to a few diamonds in the rough when it comes to hiking and one of the most popular hiking areas in Illinois is Starved Rock State Park - it sees over 2.5 million visitors annually and I'm no exception. In the warmer months, you'll catch me driving up there every weekend.
With 13 miles of trails and 125-foot high cliffs overlooking the Illinois River, this place has a lot to offer despite it being in the second flattest state in America.
If you ever get tired of hiking Starved Rock, head on over to Matthiessen State Park or Buffalo Rock State Park. Both are less than five miles away from Starved Rock and are lesser-known, quieter, and while they don't offer as many miles of trail they provide arguably better views and less crowds than Starved Rock.
If you didn't know any better, it can be hard to believe that either of these locations are in Illinois, and especially not within an hour's drive from campus!
Overall, all of these parks offer a fairly easy hike with great views and lots of trails to explore. Anytime you get a free weekend I highly recommend you check it out.
I love Starved Rock! I love that you mentioned the other two surrounding parks as well. Although Starved Rock has a larger area, it is always crowded or too overpopulated for my liking. So I will most definitely go check them out as soon as the weather gets a tad nicer. I've been looking for other places to explore in the area. Hiking is so good not only for your physical health but, also your mental health which, is why I think this blog concept is so smart and similar to what I write about as well. Look into McNaughton park in Pekin if you haven't already!
ReplyDeleteI love that you gave hiking locations that are close to campus! Oftentimes I think that I have to jump on a plane or drive many hours to visit beautiful locations, so this is a nice reminder that I can still find unique places that are closer than I thought. I've been wanting to plan a day to visit Starved Rock and take a walk/hike there, so I will definitely be making that trip happen this summer!
ReplyDeleteStarved Rock is amazing! I have only been a few times but have loved it the times I went. I have always wanted to visit more but I never have anyone to go with. Lets plan a day trip before I graduate and you leave for Texas!
ReplyDeleteI am not much of an outdoors physical activity person but because of you sharing this, I am officially intrigued! I might have to step out of my comfort zone to go see these beautiful spots.
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