The best walks and hikes around Glen Carbon

Step onto the SIUE Nature Preserve Loop and discover a surprisingly diverse landscape right within the university grounds. This moderate 5.6-mile (9.1 km) hiking trail winds through old-growth bluff forest, open restored grassland, and along the lakeshore, offering a varied experience for its 2-hour and 21-minute duration. You'll encounter modest elevation changes of 170 feet (52 metres) and sections that can be uneven and rocky, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer and turkeys as you enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

Accessing the SIUE Nature Preserve Loop is convenient, with trailheads located directly on the SIUE campus near a log cabin along Stadium Drive and behind Prairie Hall. Parking is readily available on campus, making it an easy destination for a quick escape. While the trail is enjoyable in all seasons, visiting during spring or fall will reward you with the most comfortable temperatures and vibrant natural scenery.

The SIUE Nature Preserve is more than just a trail; it's a 380-acre protected area established to promote learning about native Illinois ecosystems. This makes it a significant educational and ecological resource, providing opportunities for research and teaching alongside your hike. It's also part of a larger network of regional green spaces, offering a valuable natural amenity for the Edwardsville area.

The Drost Park Loop offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll follow paved asphalt paths that wind through a beautiful park landscape, with the highlight being the picturesque seven-acre lake. Expect a flat, easy journey, as the entire 1.7-mile (2.7 km) route features only 12 feet (4 metres) of elevation gain, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The trail is lined with trees, providing shade and lovely fall foliage, creating a pleasant atmosphere for your 41-minute walk.

Planning your visit to Drost Park is straightforward, as the paths are well-marked and the park is designed for public enjoyment. It's a pet-friendly location, so feel free to bring your dog along. Beyond the walking trails, the park provides numerous amenities including playgrounds, picnic sites, and shelters, making it a great destination for families. Fishing is also permitted in the lake with a valid license, adding another activity to your day.

Drost Park is more than just a walking trail; it's a community hub with a variety of recreational options. In addition to the approximately three miles of asphalt walking trails, the park boasts facilities for soccer, baseball, and basketball. The lake even has a boat ramp for electric trolling motors, catering to different interests. This makes the Drost Park Loop a versatile choice, whether you're looking for a quick, easy hike or a full day of park activities.

The Willoughby Heritage Farm Extended Loop offers a delightful escape, blending natural woodland paths and open prairie with the unique charm of a recreated 1940s working farm. As you hike, you'll pass through mature oak and hickory forests, cross small bridges over creeks, and might even spot wildflowers like black-eyed susans. The highlight for many is encountering the farm's barns, tractors, and friendly animals such as miniature horses and donkeys, creating a truly memorable experience that feels like a step back in time.

This easy 1.4-mile (2.2 km) hiking route has a minimal elevation gain of just 33 feet (10 metres) and takes approximately 34 minutes to complete, making it ideal for families and casual walkers. Admission to the farm and its trails is free, and leashed dogs are welcome, so you can bring your canine companion along. Parking is readily available at the farm, and it's a great spot for a relaxed morning or afternoon outing.

What makes the Willoughby Heritage Farm Extended Loop stand out among Willoughby Heritage Farm trails is its immersive blend of nature and history. Beyond the scenic paths, the farm provides a glimpse into 1940s farming life, complete with a 1930s-style Craftsman Farmhouse. Keep an eye out for wildlife spotting opportunities, including migratory birds, deer, and eastern box turtles, adding another layer of interest to this family friendly hike.

The Watershed Nature Center Loop Trail offers a refreshing escape into nature, winding through a surprising mix of forests, prairies, and wetlands. You'll encounter two small lakes and a large pond, providing lovely water views, and can even explore a unique Raised Marsh Walk. This easy 1.2-mile (1.9 km) hike, with only 20 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick outing, taking about 28 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is generally accessible, with both paved and natural dirt paths, though some sections can be muddy after rain. Dogs are welcome on a leash, making it a great spot for a family walk with your furry friend. Consider visiting in spring or summer to enjoy the vibrant wildflowers and increased bird activity.

What makes this trail stand out is its rich biodiversity, hosting over 140 bird species within its compact 40-acre preserve. It's a testament to environmental transformation, having been converted from an abandoned sewage lagoon into a thriving nature center. The presence of observation towers further enhances opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.