Cook County, Illinois
1,533 hiking trails · 3parks & campgrounds · 79 cities. Real OpenStreetMap + Recreation.gov data.
About Hiking in Cook County, Illinois
Cook County is home to 1,533 mapped hiking trails and 3 federal parks, campgrounds, and recreation areas spread across 79 cities. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors; park and campground info comes from Recreation.gov.
Looking for something specific? Search all trails in Cook County or browse parks. Want to narrow further? Pick a city below to see only that city’s outdoor options.
Trails & Parks in Cook County
Up to 203 pinpoints showing trail and park locations across the county.
Cities in Cook County
Click any city to see trails and parks within it.
55 more cities in this county.
Sample Parks in Cook County
Sample Trails in Cook County
Hiking guides for Illinois
Statewide rankings and guides — useful context for Cook County.
Photo: Sergei AkulichThe 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Illinois, Ranked
Illinois's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Holly MandarichIllinois's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
Steep is hard. These are the ten Illinois trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Joshua EarleThe Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Illinois
Ten gentle, well-marked Illinois trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Sergei AkulichThe 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Illinois
Illinois's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Joshua EarleThe Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Illinois
Federal parks and recreation areas in Illinois ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Sergei AkulichBest Waterfall Hikes in Illinois: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
Illinois's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.