Attractions and Places To See around Hickory Hills - Top 20

Hickory Hills is known for its extensive natural areas, particularly the Palos Forest Preserves, which cover 15,000 acres. These preserves feature a unique hilly terrain shaped by glacial moraines. You can find remnants of oak-hickory climax forests and explore areas like McClaughry Springs Woods, which offers a tranquil setting with diverse bird species.

Yes, several attractions around Hickory Hills are suitable for families. The Cal-Sag Trail is a paved multi-use path perfect for cycling or walking with kids, offering waterway views. Turtlehead Lake provides picnic areas and a relatively flat, paved trail around its eastern perimeter, ideal for a family outing.

The area boasts a variety of trails. The Cal-Sag Trail is a 16.2-mile paved multi-use path connecting to other major trails. Another option is the Centennial Trail, which follows both the Des Plaines River and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, offering a route to the city center while avoiding traffic.

The Palos Forest Preserves offer over 40 miles of unpaved trails for hiking. You can explore areas like McClaughry Springs Woods, which has a packed-dirt trail system winding through green forests. For more hiking options, including easy and moderate routes, you can find detailed guides at Hiking around Hickory Hills.

Absolutely. Saganashkee Slough is a beautiful lake surrounded by pristine woodlands, offering opportunities for hiking, canoeing, or kayaking. You can also visit Turtlehead Lake, a popular spot for fishing with well-kept grassland and picnic facilities.

Turtlehead Lake is a dog-friendly location, featuring a multi-use trail around its eastern perimeter and open grassland areas where you can enjoy time with your pet. Many trails within the Palos Forest Preserves also welcome dogs, provided they are on a leash.

Yes, the Palos Forest Preserves area is well-known for its mountain biking opportunities. You can find a variety of routes, including challenging ones like the Maple Lake – Tomahawk Slough loop. For a comprehensive list of trails, refer to the MTB Trails around Hickory Hills guide.

The region offers outdoor activities year-round. In summer, the woods are vibrant green, perfect for hiking and cycling. In winter, areas like McClaughry Springs Woods transform into a quiet, snowy landscape, ideal for peaceful winter walks. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage.

While Hickory Hills is primarily known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, the area has some historical context. The Hickory Hills Country Club, established in 1917, features an 18-hole golf course designed by James Foulis, reflecting a piece of local history and design. Historically, the area was also home to the now-demolished Dynell Springs Spa.

Visitors particularly appreciate the extensive natural areas and the variety of outdoor activities available. The well-maintained trails, like the Cal-Sag Trail, are highly rated for their scenic waterway views and shade. The serene lakes, such as Saganashkee Slough, are loved for their pristine woodlands and opportunities for peaceful recreation.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails around Hickory Hills, especially within the Palos Forest Preserves. Routes like the Palos Purple, Tan, Yellow Trails Loop or the Spears Woods to Willow Springs Loop offer accessible options for beginners. You can find more details in the Easy hikes around Hickory Hills guide.