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United States
Illinois
Sangamon County

Southern View

Easy hikes and walks around Southern View

4.7

(3)

35

hikers

15

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Southern View offer access to varied landscapes, including green spaces, parklands, and trails alongside water features. The region provides gentle terrain suitable for short excursions and family-friendly outings. These routes are characterized by minimal elevation gain, making them accessible for hikers of all abilities.

Best easy hiking trails around Southern View

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Walnut to Lake Trail Loop, a 2.9 miles (4.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 11 minutes…

Last updated: June 23, 2026

#1.

Lick Creek Wildlife Preserve

5.17km

01:20

20m

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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7

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

5.0

(1)

3

hikers

2.99km

00:46

10m

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

4.0

(1)

3

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Southern View

Easy hikes around Southern View

Tips from the Community

Daniel Krueger
August 8, 2023, Bridge

Just a few meters south of the parking lot at Old Chatham road, you need to cross that little bridge over Lick Creek to get to the western trails.

1

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Daniel Krueger
August 7, 2023, Lake Trail

As the name indicates, Lake Trail is part of the trails of Lincoln Memorial Garden and leads along Lake Springfield. Enjoy the nice views!

1

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Nice spot to take a little rest in the shade.

1

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The Nature Center is part of the Lincoln Memorial Garden and hosts interactive, educational displays for children to get a better understanding of nature.

1

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Right next to the parking lot, you will find a map at the entrance to Lincoln Memorial Garden. Here you can check all the different trails leading through the garden.

1

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Polecat Creek Trail lies directly next to the Interurban Trail (Illinois) and is certainly worth a visit. It's a multi-use trail for bikers and hikers and a nice spot to take a little walk in the woods.

1

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This bridge, crossing Lake Springfield, runs parallel to the Iron Bridge a little further to the east. In contrast to Iron Bridge, this bridge is for walking and biking only, and no cars can cross here. The bridge is part of the Interurban Trail (Illinois) and offers a nice view.

1

0

Daniel Krueger
August 3, 2023, Shelter

Right after the parking lot there is a small shelter with some picnic tables and a little playground nearby. If you follow the path a little further, you will reach the trailhead, from where you can start your walk through Lewis Park & Trails.

3

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of landscapes can I expect on easy hikes in Southern View?

Easy hikes in Southern View offer a diverse range of landscapes, from green spaces and parklands to trails alongside water features. You'll find gentle terrain suitable for short excursions. Depending on the specific area within the broader 'Southern View' region, you might encounter limestone cliffs and waterfalls like those in McCormick's Creek State Park in Southern Indiana, or scenic valley views as seen on the Sangamon Valley Trail.

Are there any easy circular routes or loop trails in Southern View?

Yes, Southern View features several easy circular routes perfect for a relaxed outing. A popular option is the Walnut to Lake Trail Loop, which offers pleasant views around a lake. Another great choice is the Polecat Creek and Interurban Trail Loop, providing a longer, yet still easy, experience.

What are some family-friendly easy hiking trails in Southern View?

Many easy trails in Southern View are suitable for families due to their minimal elevation gain and gentle terrain. The Walnut to Lake Trail Loop is a great choice for a family outing, offering scenic lake views. Similarly, the Washington Park Loop Road provides an accessible and enjoyable walk for all ages.

Are there any easy trails with waterfalls or interesting natural features?

While specific waterfalls on the listed easy trails in Southern View are not detailed, the broader 'Southern View' region is known for them. For instance, McCormick's Creek State Park and Clifty Falls State Park in Southern Indiana feature stunning waterfalls. In Southern Illinois, the Rocky Bluff Trail at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge has picturesque seasonal waterfalls. You can also find unique rock formations in places like Ferne Clyffe State Park and the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail in Southern Illinois.

What kind of views can I expect on easy hikes in Southern View?

Easy hikes in Southern View often provide pleasant views of natural areas, parklands, and water features. For example, the Walnut to Lake Trail Loop offers scenic lake views, and the Sangamon Valley Trail follows a tranquil valley. In the wider region, you might encounter expansive views across sub-alpine fir and aspen trees in Southern Idaho, or cliffside lookouts over lakes and rivers in Southern West Virginia.

What do other hikers enjoy most about easy hiking in Southern View?

The easy hiking trails in Southern View are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the region's accessible routes, gentle terrain, and the variety of green spaces and parklands available for a relaxed outdoor experience. The pleasant views around lakes and along scenic valleys are frequently highlighted.

Are there any historical sites or landmarks near the easy hiking trails?

Yes, there are several interesting landmarks and historical sites near the easy hiking trails in Southern View. You can explore the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, or visit Mahan's Fueling Station (Former Bill Shea's Gas Station Museum). The Lake Springfield Bridge also offers a notable point of interest.

How long do easy hikes in Southern View typically take?

The easy hikes in Southern View vary in length and duration, but most are designed for shorter excursions. For example, the Walnut to Lake Trail Loop is about 2.9 miles (4.7 km) and takes around 1 hour 11 minutes. The West Lick Creek Trail is 2.0 miles (3.2 km) and can be completed in about 48 minutes, making them ideal for quick walks.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in Southern View?

The best time to visit Southern View for hiking largely depends on the specific area, but generally, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. In Southern Idaho, the Eagle Loop at Pettit Campground is adorned with wildflowers in summer and vibrant aspen foliage in the fall. Many regions, like Southern West Virginia, are enjoyable throughout spring, summer, and fall for their diverse natural beauty.

Are there any hidden gem easy trails in Southern View?

While the main guide highlights popular routes, the broader 'Southern View' region contains many lesser-known spots. For instance, Fern Cliff Nature Preserve in Southern Indiana offers beautiful cliffs and caves, and Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve showcases wetlands ideal for birdwatching. These areas often provide tranquil walks away from more crowded paths.

Can I find easy trails that are suitable for dog walking in Southern View?

Many easy trails in Southern View are suitable for dog walking, especially those in parklands and natural areas with gentle terrain. It's always recommended to check specific park regulations or trail signage regarding pets, but generally, the accessible nature of these routes makes them a good option for you and your canine companion.

Are there any easy trails that follow rivers or offer water views?

Yes, Southern View offers easy trails that provide lovely water views. The Walnut to Lake Trail Loop, for example, circles a lake, offering pleasant waterside scenery. In the wider region, Falls of the Ohio State Park and White River State Park in Southern Indiana feature trails with views of the Ohio River and other riverine landscapes.

Most popular routes around Southern View

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