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

Davenport, IA: Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Follow this 3-miler through glacial moraine and across a man-made dam for panoramic views of Johnson Lake, a snack-bar pit stop, and a sampling of this state recreation area's year-round attractions.

Chicago, IL: Matthiessen State Park

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
A lush, green garden of waterfalls and giant pools awaits on the dells of Matthiessen State Park; this route tacks on a bluff-top viewpoint for 5.8-miles of prime Illinois day-hiking.

St. Louis, MO: Pere Marquette

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
An exposed fault above the Illinois River and 30-mile views of St. Louis make this 3.5-mile loop in Illinois' largest state park a worthwhile escape from the Gateway City.

Chicago: Waterfall Glen

BACKPACKER Review
This preserve offers plenty of big city escape. Shady forests, gentle waterfalls, and a lofty vista over the Des Plaines River are just a few stops along this 10.1-mile multi-use loop.

St. Louis: Fern Hollow Goat Cliff Loop

BACKPACKER Review
On this 6.8-mile loop, you'll find reclaimed prairies, sacred Indian grounds, and scenic overlooks of the lakes and rivers surrounding St. Louis.

Chicago, IL: Starved Rock Trail

BACKPACKER Review
This beautiful 4.3-mile loop adjacent to the Illinois River adds welcome relief--waterfalls, sculpted sandstone canyons, and impressive overlooks--to the usually pancake-flat landscape.

Biking 9/1/2009 Monon to Lagro, IN

72 miles, partly cloudy, unrelenting 10 mph headwind.

Hickory Grove

Hickory Grove Forest Preserve MCCD

Thatcher Woods

Biking 8/29/2009 Kewanee to Wenona, IL

Partly sunny,wind NNW 20-30 mph, temp 50s-60s.

Biking 9/1/2009 Monon to Lagro, IN

72 miles, partly cloudy, unrelenting 10 mph headwind.

St. Louis, MO: Bell Smith Springs Loop

Wet your feet—and your appetite for nature—on this moderate 3.6-mile loop in Illinois' Shawnee National Forest with two creek fords, year-round wildflowers and soaring fern-covered cliffs.

Midwest Readers' Choice Hikes

BACKPACKER Review
Mississippi river vistas, ocean-size grasslands, and guaranteed solitude.

Readers' Choice Midwest Hikes: Nachusa Grasslands, IL

BACKPACKER Review
Explore a vast, trail-free prairie.

Readers' Choice Midwest Hikes: Aurora Borealis Isle Royale NP, MI

BACKPACKER Review
See the country's best light show.

Readers' Choice Midwest Hikes: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, OK

BACKPACKER Review
Bushwhack into what very well might be the quietest spot in America.

Readers' Choice Midwest Hikes: Effigy Mounds National Monument, IA

BACKPACKER Review
Climb to views of the mighty Mississippi River.

Readers' Choice Midwest Hikes: Ice Age Trail, WI

BACKPACKER Review
Thru-hike one of the country's least-known National Scenic Trails.

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Photos + Videos

Editors' Choice Gold 2010 Videos: Evernew Titanium Non-Stick Cookware These perfect pots have stood the test of time and earned our coveted Editors' Choice Gold Award.	Editors' Choice 2010: Climbing the Monch BACKPACKER editors cap their Swiss gear-testing trip with a climb of the 13,474-foot Monch.