The 3-Mile Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area Trail Might Just Be The Most Enchanting Hike In Illinois
By Linze Rice|Published September 08, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Illinois is full of incredible hiking trails — from quick jaunts around historical sites to making rugged 22-mile treks up a mini-mountainside. But as an avid reader, I always like to imagine myself walking through an enchanted land, filled with fluttering birds and butterflies, picnic basket in tow. And while I may not be Snow White, I still want a leisurely trail that’s perfect for daydreaming — and this enchanting trail in Illinois just may be the most fitting option.
The Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area Loop is a 3-mile trail in Riverwoods, Illinois that takes hikers through a storybook-like wilderness, complete with varieties of mushrooms, flowers, and wildlife.
The trail is open year-round, but for humans only — dogs and horses need to sit this one out.
The enchanting trail meanders through gorgeous dense forest is is great for hikers of any experience level. Generally considered an easy trail with a gentle 42-foot elevation change, the loop takes about an hour to complete.
The Des Plaines River flows through the conservation area, serving as an essential piece of the local ecosystem.
The picturesque park is designated as both an Illinois Nature Preserve for its ecological significance, as well as a Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places. This flower-laden section of boardwalk along the river is one of the reasons locals love this trail.
Of course, no path through an enchanted would be complete without living creatures, whether it's a species of mushroom, a pack of deer, rabbits, butterflies, birds, or turtles — all of which call this area home.
Take a rest at one of the benches found throughout the grounds. This idyllic spot under a tree is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or simply take in the sights and sounds of nature.
And while fairy tales often have a spooky witch that lives in the woods, the new and old cabins here are simply part of the preserve's history — no wicked vibes here.
While the trail is gorgeous during the summer, stunning fall foliage takes the scenery up to a new level. The forest lights up with red and golden leaves before snow blankets the ground, attracting cross-country skiers.
As you plan your trip to this enchanting trail in Illinois, make sure to check out the Lake County Forest Preserves website and AllTrails for more info on the loop. And use our handy hiking essentials guide so you have everything you need for your time on the storybook trail!
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