The best guide to hiking within an hour's drive of Chicago. 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Chicago by Ted Villaire introduces newcomers and lifelong residents alike to a surprising array of the best day hikes within a 60-mile radius of the Windy City. The new full-color edition includes some brand-new hikes on newly built trails, such as Miller Beach, which not long ago was just a loop around a marsh but now includes an out-and-back trail to a lovely beach on Lake Michigan. A couple of urban hikes were added to the mix in this edition, including a stroll through the lagoons and along the prairie river in Humboldt Park, perhaps the most beautiful Chicago Park away from the lakeshore. Ted also takes you on a ramble along the newly built Chicago Riverwalk in the Loop, an artfully constructed promenade alongside the river with restaurants and bars along the way. Each hike description features: Key information on length, hiking time, difficulty, configuration, scenery, traffic, trail surface, and accessibility Information on the history and natural history of the areas the hikes pass through A detailed trail map and elevation profile Clear directions to the trailhead and trailhead GPS data Tips on nearby activities Whether you are a local looking for new places to explore, or a visitor in the area for business or pleasure, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Chicago will provide plenty of options for outings lasting a full day to a couple of hours, all within about an hour's drive of the Windy City and its surrounding communities.

Best Rail Trails Illinois is the complete guide to walking, jogging, biking, and cross-country skiing more than forty of the most popular rail trails in Illinois. Written by an author with expert knowledge of the Prairie State, this easy-to-use book provides mile-by-mile descriptions of the top rural and urban rail trails-from the Chicago area's Prairie Path, one of America's first rail trails, to trails in the St. Louis area and those set in the breathtaking beauty of the Shawnee National Forest, as well as numerous other urban, suburban, and rural rail trails statewide. Look inside to find: * Full trail profiles, including length, access points, difficulty rating, and surface type * Detailed trail maps * At-a-glance icons for easy identification of rail trails that best suit one's interests * Information on wheelchair accessibility, parking, restrooms, where to rent bikes, and places to eat along the trail * Location of ranger stations, visitor centers, and depot museums

It's Time to Take a Hike in Spectacular Chicago! The best way to experience Chicagoland is by hiking it! Get outdoors with Illinois author Ted Villaire as he helps you find and enjoy the top hikes within 60 miles of the city. A perfect blend of popular trails and hidden gems, the selected trails transport you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings that renew your spirit and recharge your body. Go bird-watching at Goose Lake Prairie. Immerse yourself in history along the I&M Canal Trail. Experience breathtaking views from secluded Lake Michigan beaches. Marvel at the awe-inspiring sand dunes in Northwest Indiana. With a highly accomplished outdoors writer as your guide, you'll learn about the area and experience nature through 60 of Chicago's best hikes! Each hike description features key at-a-glance information on distance, difficulty, scenery, traffic, hiking time, and more, so you can quickly and easily learn about each trail. Detailed directions, GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles help to ensure that you know where you are and where you're going. Tips on nearby activities further enhance your enjoyment of every outing. Whether you're a local looking for new places to explore or a visitor to the area, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Chicago provides plenty of options for a couple hours or a full day of adventure, all within about an hour from Chicago and the surrounding communities.

The complete guide to car camping in Illinois. Fully updated and revised, this guide details information on public campgrounds accessible by car. It's a guide for everyone from tenters to RVers.