The best walks and hikes around Knollwood

The Independence Grove Lakeside Trail offers a delightful and accessible escape, circling the beautiful 129-acre Independence Grove Lake. This easy 3.3-mile (5.4 km) hike follows a mostly gravel path, providing continuous, panoramic views of the water, framed by prairie and woodlands. It's a gentle route with only 52 feet (16 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed outing that takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete.

To enjoy this scenic loop, head to the Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. Parking is available on-site, but consider arriving earlier on busy days to secure a good spot. The preserve offers convenient amenities like a café and seasonal boat and bike rentals, so you can easily make a day of it. This trail is particularly family-friendly and suitable for most hikers.

Independence Grove is a unique destination, centered around a lake reclaimed from a gravel quarry, and is part of a larger 7.5-mile network of trails. Beyond the Lakeside Trail, you can explore other paths, enjoy picnicking, or even connect to the Des Plaines River Trail for extended hiking options. It's a great spot for a quick nature fix or a longer day of outdoor activities.

Step onto the Greenbelt Forest Preserve Trail and discover a surprising natural haven amidst Lake County, Illinois. This easy 1.7-mile (2.8 km) route guides you through a delightful mix of oak groves, wetlands, and prairies, offering a peaceful escape with minimal effort. You'll encounter a variety of birds and wildflowers, especially vibrant during spring and summer, making it a truly scenic and engaging walk.

Planning your visit is straightforward for this accessible trail. The path is primarily gravel, suitable for all ages and even cross-country skiing in winter. With only 23 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, it's a gentle stroll that takes approximately 42 minutes to complete. Parking is generally available, and the trail is well-suited for a quick nature break or a family outing any time of year.

What makes this trail particularly fascinating is its location atop the sub-continental divide, a unique Greenbelt Forest Preserve natural feature. Rain falling on one side flows to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, while the other side feeds the Gulf of Mexico. This historical route, once an ancient Native American trail, adds a rich geological and cultural layer to your easy hike.

The Butler Lake Loop in Libertyville, Illinois, offers a delightful escape into a tranquil natural setting. As you follow the path, you'll wander through peaceful deciduous forests that transition into sunny open meadows, creating a varied and refreshing landscape. The trail, a mix of dirt and gravel, circles the serene Butler Lake, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife like white-tailed deer and various bird species, especially during spring and summer when wildflowers are in bloom.

This easy 1.9-mile (3.1 km) hiking route involves a minimal 45 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect choice for a quick 47-minute walk. Located near Butler Lake Park in Lake County, Illinois, the trailhead is easily accessible, and you can typically find parking without much hassle. It's a great option for a relaxed outing, suitable for families and beginners, with spring and summer being particularly rewarding for scenery.

This particular Butler Lake Loop is known for its gentle terrain and is a stark contrast to some of the more challenging trails found elsewhere. Its location in Lake County, Illinois, makes it a convenient natural retreat for those in the Libertyville area. The trail's flat profile and diverse flora and fauna, including American Goldfinch and Great Blue Heron, highlight the ecological richness of this suburban oasis.

Hike the moderate 11.4-mile Middlefork Trail through Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve, gaining 77 feet over 4 hours and 36 minutes.