5 Best Hiking Trails in Chicago (2026)

Independently ranked by our review of ratings, reviews and reputation · How we chose

By Vespera Quill, Expert in Local Experiences and Cultural Analysis · ✓ Data verified August 2026 · 7 min read

Chicago's best hiking trails prove you don't need mountains to get a real escape from the city, some of these paths sit an elevated 16 feet above street level, others wind through 2,500 acres of forest preserve just west of the Loop. Waterfall Glen alone has logged 4,263 Google reviews, and every trail on this page holds a rating of 4.6 or higher.

Short answer: For hiking in Chicago, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien leads with a 4.6 rating across 4,263 reviews, known for its namesake limestone waterfall and 11 miles of trail. The 606, an elevated former railway trail through Wicker Park and Bucktown, holds the highest rating on this page at 4.8, with 2,213 reviews.

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1. Waterfall Glen Forest…
2. The 606
3. LaBagh Woods
4. Bloomingdale Trail Par…
5. West Ridge Nature Park
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Chicago's hiking trails, side by side

#	Business	Rating	Reviews	Best for
1	Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve	4.6 ★	4,263	A real waterfall and the longest trail network	View ›
2	The 606	4.8 ★	2,213	An elevated urban trail through the neighborhoods	View ›
3	LaBagh Woods	4.7 ★	1,923	Wooded trails close to the city	View ›
4	Bloomingdale Trail Park - Eastern Trailhead	4.7 ★	1,213	Family-friendly eastern trailhead with a kids' park	View ›
5	West Ridge Nature Park	4.7 ★	861	A quiet, hidden pond walk	View ›

Our top picks, reviewed

#1 Overall🕑 Open 7 days

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

4.64,263 Google reviews

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, a 2,503-acre preserve in Darien, offers almost 11 miles of limestone- and turf-covered trails across four mapped routes, open to hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders, with cross-country skiing when conditions allow. The preserve's namesake waterfall becomes genuinely dramatic after heavy rain, and the entry road, parking, and restrooms have all been recently expanded.

What people praise

Genuine waterfall, most dramatic right after a storm
Nearly 11 miles of trail options across multiple mapped routes
Wide paths accommodate walkers, joggers, and cyclists together
Recently expanded parking and restroom facilities

Worth knowing

Popular on weekends, visit on a weekday for a quieter trip

Reputation scorecardrank in Chicago

Rating4.6 / 5

Review volume4,263 · 92nd

Confidencevery high

Recency5 weeks ago

Info completenesssite · phone · hours

Rating breakdown76% 5-star

✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: The deepest review base on this page at 4,263 with a solid 4.6 rating. The mix of a real waterfall, wildlife, and the longest trail network here makes this the pick for a full half-day hike.

Website +1630-933-7248 Directions

Northgate Rd, Darien, IL 60561

#2🕑 Open 7 days

The 606

4.82,213 Google reviews

The 606 is an elevated linear park built on a former rail line, running through Wicker Park, Bucktown, and surrounding neighborhoods, connecting to four ground-level parks and an observatory along the way. The trail is popular for walking, running, and cycling, with a blue-marked lane for runners and multiple entry and exit points along its length.

What people praise

Highest rating on this page, praised for feeling like an escape from the city despite being right in it
Multiple entry and exit points make it easy to join for a short or long walk
Water fountains and murals along the route add character to the hike
Nearby coffee shops make it easy to combine a walk with a stop

Worth knowing

Limited garbage cans and restroom facilities along the route
Street parking near the trail can be difficult given narrow bike-lane roads

Reputation scorecardrank in Chicago

Rating4.8 / 5

Review volume2,213 · 75th

Confidencevery high

Recency7 weeks ago

Info completenesssite · phone · hours

Rating breakdown85% 5-star

✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: The top-rated trail on this page at 4.8 across 2,213 reviews. If you want a hike that doubles as a neighborhood tour, this elevated urban trail is the clear standout.

Website +1312-742-4622 Directions

1805 N Ridgeway Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

LaBagh Woods

4.71,923 Google reviews

LaBagh Woods, at the southern start of the North Branch Trail, offers wooded landscapes, wetlands, savannas, and sedge meadows known for exceptional birding, plus picnic groves and open fields. The preserve includes both paved and unpaved trail sections, and hikers can access the abandoned C&NW UP Weber rail line south of the river for a more rugged walk.

What people praise

Strong birding reputation, with reviewers spotting deer and diverse wildlife regularly
Mix of paved and unpaved trails suits different fitness levels
Picnic groves and open fields make it a good pick for a family outing
Ample parking

Worth knowing

Sturdy shoes recommended for the old railroad ballast sections
Fencing on some viaducts is in poor condition, keep dogs and young children close

Reputation scorecardrank in Chicago

Rating4.7 / 5

Review volume1,923 · 58th

Confidencevery high

Recency7 weeks ago

Info completenesssite · phone

Rating breakdown77% 5-star

✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: A strong 4.7 rating on 1,923 reviews. Reviewers consistently describe this as a genuine escape into nature despite being on the city's north/northwest side, worth the trip if birding is a draw.

Website +1800-870-3666 Directions

West Foster Avenue, N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

#4🕑 Open 7 days

Bloomingdale Trail Park - Eastern Trailhead

4.71,213 Google reviews

Bloomingdale Trail Park's Eastern Trailhead, at the Ashland Avenue end of The 606, includes a multi-story jungle gym for kids and a dog park alongside the elevated trail itself. Since no cars are allowed on the trail, it offers a genuinely safer environment than city streets for families walking or biking together, with the west end featuring a scenic overlook worth the extra distance.

What people praise

Multi-story jungle gym makes this the pick for hiking with young kids
Dog park at the eastern end adds another draw for pet owners
No car traffic on the elevated trail improves safety for families
Distance markers on the ground help track progress

Worth knowing

Can get crowded with cyclists moving quickly, stay alert on busy days

Reputation scorecardrank in Chicago

Rating4.7 / 5

Review volume1,213 · 42nd

Confidencevery high

Recency3 months ago

Info completenesssite · phone · hours

Rating breakdown81% 5-star

✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: A 4.7 rating on 1,213 reviews, the same location as The 606 but specifically valuable for the family amenities at the eastern end. The right pick if kids are coming along.

Website +1773-295-2362 Directions

1806 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

West Ridge Nature Park

4.7861 Google reviews

West Ridge Nature Park, on North Western Avenue, is a smaller nature park built around trees, prairie, oak savanna, and a large pond, with mostly paved trails, a children's nature play area, and a fishing pier. Multiple reviewers describe living in the city for years without realizing this quiet sanctuary existed, tucked away from the busier trail systems.

What people praise

Genuinely peaceful, with reviewers surprised by how hidden and quiet it feels
Pond and wildlife, including turtles and deer, add variety to a short walk
Fishing pier and children's play area give it more than just trail walking

Worth knowing

Parking is limited to street-side spots, which can be difficult on busy days
No indoor restroom facilities, only a portable option

Reputation scorecardrank in Chicago

Rating4.7 / 5

Review volume861 · 25th

Confidencehigh

Recency2 months ago

Info completenesssite · phone

Rating breakdown78% 5-star

✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: A 4.7 rating on 861 reviews, the smallest review base on this page but a consistent theme of hikers finding it unexpectedly restorative. Worth seeking out specifically for a quieter, shorter walk near the pond.

Website +1312-742-7529 Directions

5801 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

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How we score

Rating is the live Google average for each location. Review volume shows how many visitors actually left a rating, and higher volume counts as stronger evidence over time. Confidence weighs the rating against that volume, so a strong score on a smaller sample carries less weight than the same score across thousands of reviews. Recency checks how current the reviews are. No business can pay to change any of these numbers.

What does hiking cost in Chicago?

All trails on this page are free public parks, forest preserves, or trail networks with no entry fee. Costs to plan for are practical rather than admission-based: parking fees at some lots, transport to the trailhead, and gear appropriate for the terrain, especially at Waterfall Glen’s rockier limestone sections.

Serving all of Chicago

These trails span from Darien in the western suburbs to Wicker Park and Bucktown in the city, with LaBagh Woods and West Ridge Nature Park covering the north side. If you’re searching for hiking trails near me from the South Side or downtown Loop, The 606 and its eastern trailhead park are the most centrally accessible, while Waterfall Glen is worth the drive west for a longer trail network.

What to know before you hike in Chicago

Is the trail paved, unpaved, or a mix, and does that fit my fitness level?
Are restrooms and water fountains available along the route?
Is the trail shared with cyclists, and which side should walkers keep to?
How far is the trailhead from parking, and is parking free?
Is the trail suitable for kids or a stroller?
What wildlife might I encounter, and are dogs allowed?

Frequently asked questions

Are these rankings paid?

No. Rankings come from public Google data. A business can pay to be a Featured Partner (badge + top placement), but that never changes another business’s score or position.

How did you choose these hiking trails?

We pulled real Google listings for hiking trails, forest preserves, and nature parks across Chicago and ranked them by rating, review volume, and how recently visitors left reviews.

How often is this updated?

This page reflects Google data verified in August 2026 and is refreshed periodically to keep ratings and review counts current.

Which trail is best for a family with young kids?

Bloomingdale Trail Park’s Eastern Trailhead has a dedicated multi-story jungle gym and no car traffic on the elevated trail, making it the most family-friendly option here.

Is there a real waterfall in Chicago I can hike to?

Yes, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien has a genuine limestone waterfall that becomes especially dramatic after heavy rain.

The bottom line

For the longest trail network and a real waterfall, Waterfall Glen is worth the drive out to Darien. If you want an easy, central urban hike, The 606 delivers the highest rating and the most convenient access from downtown. Bring water regardless of which trail you pick.

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