Backpacker Magazine: Illinois: Backpacking and Camping Trips, Hikes, Adventures, Topo Maps, Aerial Photos.

Chicago: Prairie Wetlands Loop

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Escape the land of skyscrapers on this 3.6-mile, fi gure-8 circuit where wildlife-rich wetlands mix with undulating meadows and forested tracts.

Chicago, IL: Chain O Lakes State Park (Blue Loop and Red Loop)

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Explore wetlands and wooded hills in Illinois's largest state park.

Chicago, IL: Pilcher Park

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Look 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.

St. Louis, MO: Sam Dale Conservation Area

BACKPACKER Review
An easy, family-friendly dayhike, this 2.8-mile loop tours the mature forests and wildlife-festooned shores of the Sam Dale Lake Conservation Area.

St. Louis, MO: Little Grand Canyon

BACKPACKER Review
This Shawnee National Forest hike loops 2.8 miles and drops 350 feet through a water-carved slot into Illinois’ Little Grand Canyon. Sure footing and a sense of adventure required.

St. Louis, MO: McCully Wetland Trail

BACKPACKER Review
Scope for wildlife on bluffs high above the Illinois River on this easy 3-mile loop hike.

Chicago, IL: Waterfall Glen Loop

Biking 9/1/2009 Monon to Lagro, IN

72 miles, partly cloudy, unrelenting 10 mph headwind.

Biking 8/28/2009 Muscatine, IA to Kewanee, IL

78 mi day. Gray skies, temps in 60s, 6-10 mph NE winds, but NO RAIN on us!!!

Chicago, IL: Highland Park to Wrigley Field

Ride 21.5 miles from Chicago's North Shore communities to a game at Wrigley Field. This north-south route sticks to cyclist-friendly streets near the shores of Lake Michigan.

Starved Rocks State Park.

Wooded Dells with waterfalls and a lot of climbing.

Quick Escapes: 10 Trails Near Major Cities

BACKPACKER Review
The perfect metro-area trail: close, wild, uncrowded. Here are 10 major city options.

Your Daily Tread: Local Hikes Across the U.S.

BACKPACKER Review
What's better than hiking every weekend? Hiking every day. Here are the best big-city escapes from New York to Los Angeles. Plus: Bill Donahue explores the remote reaches of Portland's Forest Park and discovers secrets even locals don't know.

Ultimate Summer Escapes: The Best Dayhikes and Backpacking Trips Near You

BACKPACKER Review
Coming soon to your city: far-out adventures that are shockingly close to home.

High Points: Charles Mound, Illinois

BACKPACKER Review
Access is limited, but well worth the view.

Best Backpacking In Illinois

BACKPACKER Review
Our comprehensive guide to the best backpacking you can find in Illinois.

Cache River State Natural Area

BACKPACKER Review
Not your laid-back summer holiday -- canoeing and hiking galore.

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Photos + Videos

Gear Lab: Boots Torture Test Can any hiking boot survive 15 minutes in a cement mixer filled with rocks, sticks, dirt, and bricks? Gear Lab aims to find out.	Gear Lab: Tents Torture Test Who wants a mountain tent that buckles under pressure? Not us--so we blasted four top tents with a carwash pressure washer to see which one comes out on top.