Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 4 sights
3.9 mi · ▲ 340 ft · 1 hr 28 min
Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 4 sights is a 3.9-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, 2 miles in. It climbs 340 ft, with sections as steep as 16% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 57/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Vermillion River–Big Woods Viewpoint, 4 sights
3.9 mi · ▲ 340 ft · 1 hr 28 min
Elevation 524–667 ft
Out & Back · Forest Glen County Preserve
Trailhead: River Ridge Back Pack Trail · 40.00793, -87.57110
Weather Sep 20: Overcast, high 81°F / low 67° · precip 22% · wind 10 mph · sunrise 6:37 AM · sunset 6:53 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on River Ridge Back Pack Trail, heading S.
- 1.2 miSharp left onto Big Woods Trail, heading W.
- 0.5 miPass Big Woods Viewpoint.
- 150 ftContinue straight onto Hawk Hill Trail, heading N.
- 0.2 miContinue straight onto River Ridge Back Pack Trail, heading NW.
- 0.1 miSharp right, heading E.
- 100 ftReach Vermillion River, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.1 miContinue straight onto Hawk Hill Trail, heading S.
- 0.2 miContinue straight onto Big Woods Trail, heading S.
- 1.6 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.8 mi in (~20 min). Leave by 6:13 PM for the 6:53 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:27 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Car visible from the viewpoint
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from River Ridge Back Pack Trail Trailhead
- Crab Tree Trail & River Ridge Back Pack Trail 4.1 mi · ▲ 205 ft
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Hikes near Meeks, Illinois