Hidden near the small town of Oglesby, Illinois, is the wonderfully lovely (and super fun to explore) Starved Rock State Park. It’s an awe-inspiring place for sure, and every year it attracts visitors from all over the state – and the nation! – to come out and experience its wild beauty. What better way to appreciate the beauty of the wilderness than on foot via an awesome hike? That’s where one of my favorite hikes in Illinois comes in: the Pontiac Canyon, Wildcat Canyon, and Beehive Overlook Trail (whew!) is nothing short of a thrilling adventure, and better yet, it’s not overly challenging. Come check out one of the greatest hiking trails in Illinois.

Welcome to the incredible beauty that is Illinois, made obvious at this wondrous state park.
Chester Gokingyok/AllTrails
While you're here, you'll probably want to take a look around, so I strongly recommend the Pontiac Canyon, Wildcat Canyon and Beehive Overlook Trail, which is 10 times more scenic than its name is long.
Traverse footbridges and woodlands, taking in the beauty of the forest as it envelops you.
Bek Roberts/AllTrails
This trail is pretty easy and comes in at just over two miles in length one-way (four miles if you go round-trip), making it a fairly popular afternoon jaunt at the park.
Check out the jaw-dropping Pontiac and Wildcat canyons from a nice vantage point on the boardwalk trail.
Suhaib Khan/AllTrails
The canyons are breathtaking, and they tend to attract a crowd every time. As much of a crowd as an Illinois state park will attract, anyway.

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But despite the number of other hikers, there's always enough space out here.
Chester Gokingyok/AllTrails
It's as vast as it is lovely, and as tranquil as it is green (during the warmer months anyway). If you should do it all in one go without stopping, it should take just under one hour.
Of course, I strongly recommend stopping to smell the roses along the way.
Makayla Smith/AllTrails
And by "smell the roses", I mean moss. And water. And woods. Truly, the scent of nature wafts out of every nook and cranny out here, and it's the freshest, most wonderful smell in the world, if you ask me.
So come out and hike the Pontiac Canyon, Wildcat Canyon and Beehive Overlook Trail - both ways! It's an adventure and a half without all the challenges of a harder hike.
EEF User/AllTrails

For more photos and a very handy map, be sure to check out the official AllTrails listing for this wonderful Illinois hike. Not sure what to bring along? Check out our ultimate hiking packing list for some ideas. Which hikes in Illinois are your favorites? Which ones are simply great for your spirit? Let me know!

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Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA