There are many days in the year that could be made better with a bit of fresh air and an outdoor adventure. If you have been meaning to get out and enjoy more nature in the future, these waterfront trails are sure to reward you with natural beauty. Fresh air does a body good, and there is plenty of it out here on these three waterfront trails in Illinois:

  1. Allerton Park Blue and Red Loop - Robert Allerton Park

Liuyi Shi/AllTrails

Adam M/AllTrails Allerton Park is a beautiful area, and part of the blue and red loop includes a waterside view while you hike. The 4.3-mile trail in total doesn’t have a lot of elevation gain, so it’s perfect for beginner hikers who want something short and sweet. An hour and a half of hiking is an adventure if you make it one!

  1. Shady Hollow Trail Loop - Comlara Park

Tom K/AllTrails

Courtney Jo Sparks/AllTrails An even shorter but no less beautiful trail is over at Comlara Park, where 1.6 miles of loop takes you through stunning scenery. It’s a half-hour hike along a river, with wildflowers and plenty of options for bird watching along the way.

  1. Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail - Starved Rock State Park

Whitney Morton/AllTrails

ASmy Hanson/AllTrails A nice and brisk 4.3 miles of this loop trail might be just the adventure you’re looking for. The trail is rated as moderate, but the rock and boardwalk path is well worth it to see the waterfall when you visit. Stand behind the waterfall and make memories!

So tell us: what are your favorite waterfront trails in Illinois? Hiking opportunities abound in the Land of Lincoln, and we can never resist a day on the trails!

Liuyi Shi/AllTrails

Adam M/AllTrails

Allerton Park is a beautiful area, and part of the blue and red loop includes a waterside view while you hike. The 4.3-mile trail in total doesn’t have a lot of elevation gain, so it’s perfect for beginner hikers who want something short and sweet. An hour and a half of hiking is an adventure if you make it one!

Tom K/AllTrails

Courtney Jo Sparks/AllTrails

An even shorter but no less beautiful trail is over at Comlara Park, where 1.6 miles of loop takes you through stunning scenery. It’s a half-hour hike along a river, with wildflowers and plenty of options for bird watching along the way.

Whitney Morton/AllTrails

ASmy Hanson/AllTrails

A nice and brisk 4.3 miles of this loop trail might be just the adventure you’re looking for. The trail is rated as moderate, but the rock and boardwalk path is well worth it to see the waterfall when you visit. Stand behind the waterfall and make memories!

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Address: Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello, IL 61856, USAAddress: Comlara Park Road, Comlara Park Rd, Hudson Township, IL 61748, USAAddress: Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA