Are you taking a weekend trip to Richmond, Illinois? Looking for some nature escapes? We have a list of our favorite hikes in the Richmond area in this blog post. Here are the top 6 hiking trails within a few miles of downtown Richmond.
1. Glacial Park
Rose: The park is so large that it is not likely that you will run into other hikers. So many options of trails and lengths of of your hike.
Thorn: There are hills in the park, so not ideal for all hikers
Address: 6705 State Rte 31, Ringwood, IL 60072
Website: https://files.mccdistrict.org//All%20Sites/Glacial%20Park%20Trail%20Map.pdf
2. Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve
Rose: Beautiful lookout with benches to relax, enjoy the scenery, or read a book
Thorn: The park is full of bees doing their thing and pollinating, which is very important to us. However, if you have young children or dogs, be vigilant of the bees along the trail.
Address: 11000 Lakeview Rd, Richmond, IL 60071
3. Prairie Trail in Richmond
Rose: Close to downtown Richmond which is ideal for a breakfast or lunch stop before the hiking trip.
Thorn: This is a straight path, and if you know us, we love a loop hike.
Address: 5614 Broadway Rd, Richmond, IL 60071
Website: https://files.mccdistrict.org//publications/Recreation/Prairie-Trail-brochure_2018_Dec_web.pdf
4. North Branch Conservation Area
Rose: This trail is great for hiking and biking. We prefer biking here!
Thorn: This park has very little shade, so it can be very hot in the summer time. Bring that hat and sun screen!
Address: 11500 North Keystone Rd, Richmond, IL 60071
Website: https://www.mccdistrict.org/visit___explore/places_to_go/find_a_site/north_branch.php
5. Ice House Trail
Rose: One entrance is located right by downtown Twin Lakes, so we love going to our favorite coffee shop (Cup O’ Joe) before we go on a hike.
Thorn: This is another straight hike, so you will need to turn around and return back the same way you came
Address: 100 N Lake Ave, Twin Lakes, WI 53181
Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wisconsin/ice-house-trail
I can always find the best information on hiking areas on this site! The places described in this article look amazing – I am almost sorry winter is over a a ‘snow hike’ could be fun!
I love a good hike. These look awesome.
These look like awesome trails! I have never been there but will keep in mind, thank you!
These look fantastic hikes and glad they are dog friendly, even the snowed over ones look wonderful
These all sound and look like great nature hikes! Thank you for sharing.