When most people think about Illinois attractions they think of the urban attractions offered by the state’s number one city, Chicago. However, outdoor lovers will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the state of Illinois has a number of fabulous outdoor getaways to enjoy. So if you are interested in skiing, hiking, camping or climbing, then get out of the cities and explore what Illinois’ outdoor spaces have to offer.
Skiing in Illinois
Illinois has several top notch ski areas and resorts. The first ski area/resort is the Chestnut Mountain Resort. It is located at 8700 W. Chestnut Mountain Road in Galena, Illinois. This resort offers 17 downhill course, three triple chair lifts and two quad chair lifts. (http://www.skicentral.com/illinois.html). If you want to stay away from the crowds, then consider skiing at the quaint Four Lakes Village. This ski area is located at 5790 Forest View Road in Lisle, Illinois. Finally, if you are visiting the Chicagoland area and want to go skiing try Villa Olivia, found at 1401 W. Lake Street in Bartlett, Illinois. (http://www.skicentral.com/illinois.html).
Hiking in Illinois
Illinois is peppered with trail systems that you can trek. Nearly every county in the state has their own collection of trails so you won’t have to travel far before hitting one. If you will be in Clinton Country try the Chipmunk Trail. This trail system, which is located at 38.61389 latitude -89.33694 longitude. The worst month to try and trek this system is May, because this is the wettest month of the year. January, on the other hand, is the driest month. The closest campgrounds to this trail are Coles Creek Campground and the Boulder Campground. (http://www.maxtrails.com/states/il.html)
If you will be in Lake County, Illinois then plan on trekking the Tamarack View Trail. This trail system is located at 42.35278 latitude -88.181111 longitude. During the summer months you can expect temperatures in the 80s, while winter highs will only get into the 20s. This is a great trail system to hike on if you want to whitewater raft, as it is close to White River. (http://www.maxtrails.com/states/il.html)
The third hiking option you have in Illinois is Red Oak Backpack Trail. This trail system can be found at 39.88056 latitude -90.91667 longitude. The closest moving water to this trail is Crabapple Creek. Since this trail system is really out in the middle of no where you will want to plan to camp out a few days at one of the local campgrounds, which includes the Oak Ridge Campground. (http://www.maxtrails.com/states/il.html)
Camping in Illinois
Camping in Illinois can be a lot of fun, especially if you spend most of your year in the city. There are numerous campgrounds scattered through out the state, and you can find great RV and traditional campgrounds located close to even the largest cities in the state. For example, if you are looking for a campground near Chicago for a quick outdoor getaway then consider staying at the House of Camping, located about 11 miles from Chicago, the EZ Go Campground, located about 19 miles from Chicago, or the Windy City Campground, located about 17 miles form Chicago. If you are in the Bloomington-Normal region of the state then you can stay at the Royal Acres RV Communities, located only about seven miles away, the Wildwood Campground, located about nine miles away or the Bloomginton-Carlock KOA, located about 17 miles away. (http://www.hikercentral.com/campgroundstates/il.html)
Climbing in Illinois
If there is one thing that the state is known for it is adventure. If you are a rock climber you will find many great climbing sites to try out. The best climbing can be found in the southern portion of the state. Some of the top spots include: Jackson Falls, Cedar Bluff and Drapers Bluff. (http://www.rockclimbing.com/cgi-bin/routes/page.cgi?g=North+America/United+States/Illinois). When planning your outdoor getaway for climbing, remember that the fall of the year is the best time to climb in Illinois.
References
http://www.hikercentral.com/campgroundstates/il.html
http://www.maxtrails.com/states/il.html
http://www.rockclimbing.com/cgi-bin/routes/page.cgi?g=North+America/United+States/Illinois
http://www.skicentral.com/illinois.html
