The best walks and hikes around Cicero
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Hiking trails around Cicero, Illinois, offer accessible outdoor recreation within an urban and suburban setting near Chicago. The region features a network of paths through local parks and forest preserves, providing green spaces for walking and exploring. These trails often follow waterways or wind through wooded areas, offering a natural escape from the city.
Best hiking trails in Cicero
- The most popular hiking route is Brookfield Woods to 26th Street Woods via Salt Creek Trail โ La Grange Park, a 5.3 miles (8.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 7 minutes to complete, connecting two forest preserves via the Salt Creek Trail.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Thatcher Woods via Division Street loop โ Maywood, Illinois, a moderate 5.7 miles (9.2 km) path. This loop explores the varied terrain of Thatcher Woods.
- Local hikers also love the Thatcher Glen Pond Loop โ Thatcher Woods, a 3.6 miles (5.8 km) trail leading through wooded areas and past a pond, often completed in about 1 hour 28 minutes.
- Hiking around Cicero is defined by urban green spaces, forest preserves, and trails along local waterways. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate excursions.
- The routes in Cicero are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 14 reviews. More than 400 hikers have used komoot to explore Cicero's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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hikers
8.72km
02:12
10m
10m
Hike the moderate 5.4-mile Salt Creek Greenway: Black Paved Section, a smooth, scenic route through prairies and woods near Chicago.
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34.2km
08:37
50m
50m
Hike the 21.2-mile Salt Creek Greenway Trail, a difficult route through diverse landscapes, including forests, prairies, and along Salt Cree
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1.19km
00:18
0m
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This easy 0.7-mile hike on the Trailside Museum of Natural History Blue Primitive Trail winds through diverse habitats in Thatcher Woods, co
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4.25km
01:04
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Easy 2.6-mile loop around Humboldt Park Lagoon in Chicago, offering pleasant water views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
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8.45km
02:08
10m
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Hike the moderate 5.3-mile Salt Creek Trail through forest preserves in Cook County, enjoying wooded scenery and wildlife.
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Tips from the Community
The Chicago Portage National Historic Site is a site that memorializes the importance of the area in the exploration of this part of the country. To commemorate the importance of the area, there is a memorial depicting the portage of French explorers.
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Nestled alongside the Salt Creek Greenway, Salt Creek offers a tranquil spot for hikers. It's an ideal place for a water break and to enjoy the serene surroundings. Be aware, though, that the creek is prone to flooding during wet seasons.
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Nestled alongside the Salt Creek Greenway, Salt Creek offers a tranquil spot for cyclists. It's an ideal place for a water break and to enjoy the serene surroundings. Be aware, though, that the creek is prone to flooding during wet seasons.
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Discover the wonders of 26th Street Woods with access to the Salt Creek Trail System, perfect for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, and biking enthusiasts. Additionally, explore the canoe landing, allowing you to bring your canoe and enjoy a peaceful paddle in Salt Creek. Please note that the bathrooms are available for use from May 1 to October 31.
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Brookfield Woods outside of Chicago is a serene nature reserve with winding trails, diverse flora, and wildlife. This wooded haven provides a peaceful escape for local.
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The Salt Creek Greenway (Red Paved Trail) follows Salt Creek for a handful of miles. The creek, itself, is prone to flooding after big rainy days, but it's also a cool riparian environment home to a bunch of different plants and animals.
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Brookfield Woods outside of Chicago is a serene nature reserve with winding trails, diverse flora, and wildlife. This wooded haven provides a peaceful escape for locals and nature enthusiasts alike.
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The Salt Creek Greenway (Red Paved Trail) follows Salt Creek for a handful of miles. The creek, itself, is prone to flooding after big rainy days, but it's also a cool riparian environment home to a bunch of different plants and animals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Cicero, Illinois?
There are over 25 hiking trails around Cicero, Illinois, offering a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts. These routes explore urban green spaces, forest preserves, and paths along local waterways.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or casual walkers?
Yes, the area around Cicero, Illinois, features many easy trails. Out of the 25 available routes, 20 are classified as easy. An example is the Lagoon Trail Loop โ Humboldt Park, which is 4.2 km long and takes about 1 hour 4 minutes to complete.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes near Cicero, Illinois?
Hiking around Cicero, Illinois, is characterized by urban green spaces, forest preserves, and trails that often follow local waterways. You'll find paths through wooded areas, along rivers, and in well-maintained parks, providing a natural escape within a suburban setting.
Are there any challenging hikes in the Cicero, Illinois area?
The hiking trails directly around Cicero, Illinois, are generally easy to moderate. There are no routes classified as difficult in this immediate area, making it suitable for those looking for less strenuous outdoor activities.
Can I find circular hiking routes near Cicero, Illinois?
Yes, there are several circular routes available. For instance, the Thatcher Glen Pond Loop โ Thatcher Woods is an easy 5.8 km circular trail that takes about 1 hour 28 minutes, leading through wooded areas and past a pond.
What are some popular places for hiking in the Cicero, Illinois region?
Popular hiking spots include Thatcher Woods, Humboldt Park, and areas connected by trails like the Salt Creek Trail. These locations offer accessible green spaces for walking and exploring within the urban and suburban landscape.
Are the hiking trails around Cicero, Illinois, suitable for families?
Many trails in the Cicero, Illinois, area are well-suited for families, particularly the easy-rated routes. They offer gentle terrain and manageable distances, perfect for walks with children. The urban parks and forest preserves provide safe and accessible environments for family outings.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions near the hiking trails?
While the trails themselves focus on natural and urban green spaces, the broader Chicago area, which Cicero is part of, offers numerous landmarks. You can explore attractions like the Kinzie Street Railroad Bridge, the iconic Willis Tower, or the Harold Washington Library Center, which are all within reasonable proximity.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Cicero, Illinois?
The hiking trails around Cicero, Illinois, are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 14 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessibility of green spaces within the urban environment and the variety of paths through forest preserves and along waterways.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting on hikes near Cicero, Illinois?
While Cicero is an urban and suburban area, the forest preserves like Thatcher Woods and Ned Brown Forest Preserve (Busse Woods Trail) provide habitats for local wildlife. Hikers may spot various bird species, squirrels, and other small animals, especially in quieter sections of the trails.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Cicero, Illinois?
The region offers distinct seasons, each with its charm. Spring brings vibrant blooms, while autumn showcases fiery foliage, making these seasons particularly scenic for hiking. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter hikes are possible, offering a different, often quieter, experience.
Are there any trails suitable for winter hiking in the Cicero area?
Yes, many of the trails in the forest preserves and urban green spaces around Cicero, Illinois, remain accessible for winter hiking. While conditions may vary, these paths can offer a peaceful experience amidst snow-covered landscapes. Always check local conditions before heading out.
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