AMBLEWAY Wildest hikes

Forest Glen County Preserve

Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 4 sights

2.1 mi · ▲ 276 ft · 50 min

Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 4 sights is a 2.1-mile out-and-back in Forest Glen County Preserve near Meeks, IL. The route passes Big Woods Viewpoint before reaching Vermillion River at the turnaround, 1 miles in. It climbs 276 ft and is mostly dirt. It scores 69/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.

Elevation

0 mi505 – 666 ft2.3 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Big Woods Trail 40.00642, -87.55486
Nearest town Meeks, IL
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Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 4 sights

2.1 mi · ▲ 276 ft · 50 min

Elevation 505–666 ft

Out & Back · Forest Glen County Preserve

Trailhead: Big Woods Trail · 40.00642, -87.55486

Weather Sep 21: sunrise 6:38 AM · sunset 6:51 PM

Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start on Big Woods Trail, heading NE.
  2. 0.7 miPass Big Woods Viewpoint.
  3. 150 ftContinue straight onto Hawk Hill Trail, heading N.
  4. 0.2 miContinue straight onto River Ridge Back Pack Trail, heading E.
  5. 50 ftTurn right onto Hawk Hill Trail, heading E.
  6. 0.1 miBear right, heading NE.
  7. 300 ftReach Vermillion River, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  8. 0.2 miTurn left onto River Ridge Back Pack Trail, heading W.
  9. 50 ftContinue straight onto Hawk Hill Trail, heading W.
  10. 0.2 miContinue straight onto Big Woods Trail, heading S.
  11. 0.7 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/vermillion-river-big-woods-viewpoint-out-back-4-sights

Trail surface

100% dirt

Weather

Sunrise 6:38 AMSunset 6:51 PM

Good to know

  • Parking lot at the trailhead

More from Big Woods Trail Trailhead

Hikes near Meeks, Illinois