4 Beautiful and Easy Winter Hikes in Northern Illinois

Don't let some cold weather and snow keep you from witnessing a little Illinois wintertime beauty. These four hikes would be perfect for the season.

I'm the first person to 'tap out' on outdoor activities when the temperatures get down to just single digits. I love many things about winter but bitter cold is not one of them. Whatever the payoff is from my outside adventure, it better be significant.

We often let cold weather keep us indoors but these hikes will remind you of how naturally beautiful this season can be.

4 Beautiful and Easy Winter Hikes in Northern Illinois

Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, IL

At Starved Rock State Park, layer up and hike 12.3 miles of trails that pass sandstone bluffs and skirt the Illinois River. To see some of the park's 14 frozen falls, head to any of the seven overlooks:

French, St. Louis, Ottawa, Kaskaskia, Wildcat, LaSalle or Tonty canyons.

Seeing bald eagles soar above while hiking Eagle Cliff or Lover's Leap makes this hike fabulous. Not to mention a visit to the lodge for something warm to drink.

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Matthiessen State Park in Oglesby, IL

Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park are just 3 miles apart. Iced over streams and waterfalls and this awesome frozen canyon. There's been 5 miles of visible trails for us novice hikers.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Lamont, IL

There is almost nothing more breathtaking than a frozen waterfall and there's no shortage of views like this in the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve.

If you don't feel like HIKING at Waterfall Glen, how about BIKING

This video below looks like fun.

Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL

There are 16 miles of looped trails waiting for you at Morton Arboretum. From a short hike or a big trek through 1,700 acres of trees. You can rent cross-country skis or snowshoes and enjoy 3.5 miles of groomed trails, or be really adventurous and blaze your own path.

To see more amazing Illinois winter adventures, visit Only In Your State and Enjoy Illinois for plenty of inspiration.