Big Woods Viewpoint–Big Woods Trail, 5 sights
6.1 mi · ▲ 264 ft · 2 hr 10 min
Big Woods Viewpoint–Big Woods Trail, 5 sights is a 6.1-mile out-and-back in Forest Glen County Preserve near Meeks, IL. The route reaches Big Woods Viewpoint. It climbs 264 ft and is mostly dirt. It scores 56/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Big Woods Viewpoint–Big Woods Trail, 5 sights
6.1 mi · ▲ 264 ft · 2 hr 10 min
Elevation 571–667 ft
Out & Back · Forest Glen County Preserve
Trailhead: Hawk Hill Trail · 40.01244, -87.55579
Weather Sep 20: Overcast, high 81°F / low 68° · precip 23% · wind 8 mph · sunrise 6:37 AM · sunset 6:52 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Hawk Hill Trail, heading NE.
- 0.2 miSharp right onto Big Woods Trail, heading SW.
- 50 ftPass Big Woods Viewpoint.
- 2.5 miBear left onto Deer Meadow Trail, heading N.
- 0.3 miReach Big Woods Viewpoint, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.3 miBear right onto River Ridge Back Pack Trail, heading S.
- 2.1 miSharp left onto Big Woods Trail, heading NW.
- 0.5 miSharp left onto Hawk Hill Trail, heading E.
- 0.2 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.1 mi in (~31 min). Leave by 6:01 PM for the 6:52 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:38 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Hawk Hill Trail Trailhead
- Big Woods Viewpoint–Big Woods Trail, 3 sights 4.6 mi · ▲ 407 ft
- Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 3 sights 1.2 mi · ▲ 134 ft
Get outside more
A wild hike near Meeks, emailed to you once a week.
Hikes near Meeks, Illinois