The best walks and hikes around Westmont

The Salt Creek Greenway Trail offers a delightful, easy escape into nature, perfect for a quick refresh. You'll experience a varied landscape underfoot, with sections of paved and crushed limestone paths winding through shaded canopies, open prairies, and savannas. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you parallel the Salt Creek Water Trail, especially around natural areas like Salt Creek Woods Nature Preserve.

This 1.2-mile (1.9 km) hike is rated easy, with a negligible 6 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, making it a comfortable 29-minute stroll for almost anyone. While generally accessible, be aware that some underpasses can flood after heavy rains, so a quick check of conditions before you head out is a good idea. The trail is well-suited for a casual walk or a family outing.

Part of an extensive 25 to 32-mile network, this segment of the Salt Creek Greenway Trail connects to a larger integrated trail system in northeast Illinois. It's renowned for its abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and serves as a vital migratory corridor, winding through numerous forest preserves and natural areas, offering a green oasis within the urban sprawl.

The Salt Creek Greenway Trail offers a wonderfully accessible hiking experience, weaving through a tapestry of natural landscapes right in northeastern Illinois. Expect a pleasant mix of paved, crushed limestone, and unpaved sections as the path meanders alongside Salt Creek, guiding you through peaceful shaded canopies, open prairies, and savannas. It's a fantastic spot for bird watching, especially during migration, and you'll likely encounter local wildlife like deer, making it a rewarding outing for nature lovers.

This easy 3.8-mile (6.2 km) route, with a minimal 49 feet (15 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 34 minutes, making it ideal for beginner hikers or families. Parking is generally available at various access points along the trail, which is part of a much larger network. Consider visiting in spring or fall for the best weather and to witness the vibrant bird migration, ensuring a comfortable and scenic walk.

More than just a trail, the Salt Creek Greenway Trail is a regionally significant pathway, connecting 12 communities and forming a vital link in a 210-mile integrated trail network. It even connects to other major routes like the Illinois Prairie Path and the Great Western Trail, offering endless possibilities for exploration. Historically, parts of this system trace back to ancient Native American trails and equestrian routes, adding a layer of rich heritage to your family-friendly adventure.

Explore the Lyman Woods Nature Center Loop, an easy 1.6 miles (2.6 km) hiking route that takes you through a rich tapestry of ecosystems. You will experience a gentle 32 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for most, and the entire loop can be completed in about 39 minutes. As you hike, you will pass through old-growth oak woods, vibrant meadows, and peaceful marshlands, offering a diverse natural experience.

To plan your visit, start at the William F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center, which provides restrooms, drinking fountains, and educational exhibits. Be aware that dogs, except for service animals, are not allowed on the trails to protect local wildlife. Similarly, bikes and cross-country skis are also prohibited. Parts of the trail system, including paved paths and boardwalks, are accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

The Lyman Woods Forest Preserve is home to a remarkable diversity of life, including over 300 species of native plants and opportunities to spot wildlife like deer and various birds. Look for the historic 19-acre oak woods, which offers a glimpse into the pre-settlement landscape. Near the Interpretive Center, you can also discover a fascinating honeybee farm and a butterfly garden, adding unique points of interest to your outing.

The Bemis Woods South Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through diverse natural scenery, perfect for a quick escape. You'll wander through lush woodlands, along the picturesque Salt Creek, and past wetlands and open grassy areas, often spotting deer and various birds. This 1.6-mile (2.6 km) loop has only 25 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy stroll that takes around 40 minutes to complete.

When planning your visit, you'll find convenient parking lots and picnic sites, making it ideal for family outings. Dogs are welcome on the trails, but remember to keep them on a leash. This trail is a great alternative if you're looking for a quieter experience compared to the often more crowded Fullersburg Woods, and it connects to the Salt Creek Greenway for longer adventures.

Beyond hiking, the Bemis Woods South Loop trails are part of a larger network used for running, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The area also features a Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course, adding another recreational option. Despite its suburban location, the trail provides a surprising sense of solitude and a true nature lover's paradise.