AMBLEWAY Wildest hikes

Nachusa Grasslands

Clear Creek Knolls

3.1 mi · ▲ 54 ft · 1 hr 4 min

Clear Creek Knolls is a 3.1-mile out-and-back in Nachusa Grasslands near Lost Nation, IL. It is mostly level, with 54 ft of elevation gain. It scores 71/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.

Elevation

0 mi705 – 774 ft3.3 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Clear Creek Knolls 41.90511, -89.34066
Nearest town Lost Nation, IL
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Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Clear Creek Knolls

3.1 mi · ▲ 54 ft · 1 hr 4 min

Elevation 705–774 ft

Out & Back · Nachusa Grasslands

Trailhead: Clear Creek Knolls · 41.90511, -89.34066

Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:43 AM · sunset 7:00 PM

Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start on Clear Creek Knolls, heading E.
  2. 0.2 miBear right, heading SE.
  3. 0.5 miBear right, heading NE.
  4. 0.3 miTurn left, heading E.
  5. 0.4 miBear right, heading S.
  6. 250 ftBear right, heading SW.
  7. 0.2 miReach the turnaround, then head back the way you came.
  8. 0.2 miBear left, heading NW.
  9. 250 ftBear left, heading N.
  10. 0.4 miTurn right, heading W.
  11. 0.3 miBear left, heading W.
  12. 0.6 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Trail map, photos and weather for this hike: www.ambleway.com/hikes/clear-creek-knolls-out-back-5-km-c800

Weather

Sunrise 6:43 AMSunset 7:00 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.1 mi in (~28 min). Leave by 6:12 PM for the 7:00 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:43 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Parking lot at the trailhead

More from Clear Creek Knolls Trailhead

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