Living in the Chicago area, you might think more about the restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and neighborhoods than where the closest forest preserve is. Yet, even suburban communities have access to great parks, many of which have amazing hiking trails that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to a completely other world. And one of those trails leads to the breathtaking Greene Valley Scenic Overlook in Illinois — an awe-inspiring destination hidden right in plain sight.

Greene Valley Forest Preserve is a 1,388-acre park in Naperville with 12 miles of marked trails, over 500 native plant species, more than 370 native animals, and an incredible 190-foot scenic overlook.
Greene Valley Scenic Overlook in Illinois
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County/Facebook
To access the overlook, parkgoers must first traverse Greene Valley Hill via the Hawk Trail, a 2.6-mile loop that surrounds the hill.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The trail is great for walking or cycling, and dogs with leashes less than 10 feet are allowed to venture along.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County/Facebook
The overlook is open from May through October. At the top, you'll also find restroom facilities.

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Far from the often flatlands of Northern Illinois, the Greene Valley Scenic Overlook offers some rare elevation in the area. The hill is a stunning 874 ft.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County/Facebook
Located about 30 miles west of Chicago, a view from the top offers incredible sight lines to downtown, as well as miles of trees and suburban landscapes.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County/Facebook
It's a popular place for sunrises, sunsets, and eclipses.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County/Facebook
At night, the overlook surpasses the orange glow the Chicago area is known for and cuts through straight to a dark sky filled with stars.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County/Facebook

So, would you add the Greene Valley Scenic Overlook in Illinois to your bucket list? Have you ever visited it before? What’s your favorite trail in Illinois? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County website and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Facebook page. Make the overlook a stop along the way while spending a day in Naperville, a perfect day trip destination near Chicago!

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Greene Valley Scenic Overlook, Bolingbrook, IL 60440, USA