A brisk walk on a chilly day with friends, family, or pets, is made all the more special by the incredible landscapes and colors that grace Chicago’s walking and hiking trails during the autumn season. Before settling in for the winter, make a day of visiting one of these spectacular trails that offers the perfect amount of outdoor escape. Check out the full list below.

Walking Trails

Chicago Lakefront Trail
Lincoln Park • 17.6 miles

Bloomingdale Trail (The 606)
Northwest Side • 5.5 miles

Lincoln Park Trail
Lincoln Park • 5 miles

Millennium Park Trail
Near Chicago • 0.7 miles

Hiking Trails

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Southern DuPage County

North Branch Trail
Cook County

Des Plaines River Trail
Lake County

Illinois Prairie Path
DuPage County

This guide is part of our Chicago Connected: Fall Edition series. Stay tuned for more ways to enjoy Chicago this autumn!