If you’re looking to experience the beauty and wildlife of the state of Illinois, the Forest Park Nature Preserve near Peoria Heights is a great place to visit. Of course, to really appreciate all that nature has to offer you usually have to get out and hike through it. Luckily, there is a duo of trails that make a very convenient and rather easy trail known as the Wilderness Trail and the Valley Loop Trail. Put together, this is a mile-long short-and-sweet scenic hike in Illinois that’s not short on scenery.
The loop starts right at the Forest Park Nature Preserve parking lot, in front of the Forest Park Nature Center. The trail is well maintained and marked, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
The trail has been altered slightly to assist you during the climb up and back down the slope, but not so much that it interferes with the natural beauty surrounding you.
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The trails are open daily, from dawn to dusk. So no matter what day you have free, you are always welcome to enjoy these trails.
Of the duo, the Valley Trail is a much easier hike, so if you had a bit of trouble getting to the end of the Wilderness Trail, you can look forward to a gentle downward slope all the way to the end.
As it is a loop, you’ll be stopping where you started, right in front of the Forest Park Nature Center. That’s where you can find all the information you could want concerning all that woodland you just hiked through.
These trails are marked for all ages, so you can bring the entire family along for this little jaunt. Bring the kids, and the whole family can partake in the beauty of these woods.
Pets are prohibited, however, so you’ll have to tell Rosco all about it when you get back home.
Feel free to stop and take in your surroundings whenever you feel the urge. In fact, if you take the time and are observant enough, you could see all types of wildlife.
These trails are very popular with bird watchers, with over a hundred different species having been observed flittering among the trees.
Other wild animals also live in the park, so keep a sharp eye out for deer, squirrels, and other small mammals. Just remember that these are wild animals who need their space, so enjoy their natural behaviors from a safe distance.
Have you already enjoyed the Wilderness and Valley Loop? Did you get to see any of the local wildlife on this short-and-sweet hike in Illinois? Leave a comment and tell us all about it! And if you still feel like seeing more of Illinois’ wilderness, the Forest Park Nature Preserve has several more miles of hiking trails that feature forested woodlands and even some open prairies, so don’t be afraid to get hiking and see the rest of the preserve, too.
