Chicago, IL: Chain O Lakes State Park (Blue Loop and Red Loop)
Explore wetlands and wooded hills in Illinois's largest state park.
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Illinois
Hiking and Backpacking Trips
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Chicago, IL: Shabbona LakeTake a break from baiting hooks and hit the trail for this 4.8-mile loop around Shabbona Lake. You're guaranteed to catch lake views, dense woodland silence, and wetland vistas. Chicago, IL: Pilcher ParkLook for the hidden surprises--wildflowers, turtles, a mineral-rich well, and even a historic greenhouse--on this family-friendly, 3.3-mile loop around Pilcher Park. Chicago, IL: Lakewood Forest PreserveOak forest, marshes, and small lakes highlight the rolling terrain on this 2.6-mile loop in Lakewood Forest Preserve.
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45 mile loopNice 45 mile loop starting from Wilmette, IL and going north. Half road, half trail. Almost all flat. McHenry, IL Dam/Forest Preserve1510 S. River Road McHenry, IL 60051 815.385.1624 http://dnr.state.il.us/Lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/MORHILLS.HTM
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Rip & Go: Godwin Trail to Inspiration Point - Shawnee National Forest, ILCross deep, vine-laced forests to bluff-top views over rivers and prairie. 
Local Hikes: MidwestThe best hikes in the Midwest, as recommended by the region's best hiking clubs. |
Local Hikes: New Hikes Near YouOur army of reader-reader scouts mapped 59 local hikes from South Carolina to Northern California. See their favorites, then learn how to download tracklogs and waypoints. 
Midwest Readers' Choice HikesMississippi river vistas, ocean-size grasslands, and guaranteed solitude. |
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Photos + Videos
Packing for a Backcountry Ski DayKristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing. |
Adjust Your Pack Straps on the TrailMaximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments. |
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Life's Short, Hike More!
What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.
Secret Hikes: Appalachian Trail
The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.
Secret Hikes: Glacier National Park
Score wildlife sightings daily, choice views hourly--and at least one juicy burger--on this weeklong circuit.
Secret Hikes: Grand Canyon National Park
Surprise: This park's busy corridor trails offer a fast track to a private slice of heaven.
Secret Hikes: Grand Teton National Park
Rise above the crowds and earn solo views of elk, wildflowers, and summit sunsets.
Illinois
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Chicago, IL: Starved Rock Trail Chicago: Cal-Sag Trail Run Chicago: Glacial Park Conservation Area |
International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.
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Green Guide
A backpacker's guide to environmental issues and "green" gear.
