Some trails around the Prairie State are quite popular and can be rather crowded. If you want to beat the crowds and immerse yourself in nature, there’s one little-known trail we suggest you hike. Best of all, you will most likely have the trail to yourself. Running Deer Trail at the Everett McKinley Dirksen Park is not only little-known but a magical hiking trail in Illinois. Let’s take a look:

Located in Pekin, Illinois in Tazewell County, the Everett McKinley Dirksen Park is 459 acres. This lovely park features oak and hickory forests as well as shrubland.
Brandon M/AllTrails
Used for both hiking and mountain biking as well as cross-country skiing in the winter, Running Deer Trail is a three-mile loop.
miranda obryan/AllTrails
The trail is rated as moderate-to-difficult and will take just over an hour to complete with only 282 feet of overall elevation gain. And since it is a lesser-known trail, you may have it all to yourself.
Sheila Carroll/AllTrails

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Along the trail, you will encounter ravines with boardwalk bridges to get you from one side to the other. It's quite a magical adventure to cross over!
Jason Schadewalt/AllTrails
There are also a couple of stream crossings that have no bridges. Make sure you are prepared with the proper footwear, preferably something that is waterproof.
miranda obryan/AllTrails
You'll enjoy the quiet and solitude, as well as the scenery, along the Running Deer Trail.
miranda obryan/AllTrails
And make sure you download a trail map as several hikers have noted that it is easy to get lost.
Tina Snider/AllTrails

Have you ever trekked along this magical hiking trail in Illinois? What is your favorite hiking trail in the state? Please tell us about it in the comments. To learn more, visit the Everett McKinley Dirksen Park web page and head to AllTrails for a map of Running Deer Trail.

Another magical hike you may want to try is located within the Shawnee National Forest. The Little Grand Canyon in Illinois is a natural wonder worthy of exploring.

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West Everett M. Dirksen Parkway, Peoria, IL 61607, USA