Sunset hikes

A short walk out, the whole show, and back at your car before dark. Times are estimates at a relaxed pace; give yourself extra buffer, especially with kids or in a group.

1. 159th Street Bikeway & Veterans Memorial Trail via Spring Creek Greenway 3.4 mi away

   Leave by 5:31 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:31 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car8:08 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 8:08 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.5 mi to the viewpoint · 70 ft climb · 121 min of walking

2. Illinois and Michigan Canal 0.5 mi away

   Leave by 6:30 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:30 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car7:11 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 7:11 PM — 10 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 6 min of walking

3. I&M Canal Trail 0.5 mi away

   Be there by 6:32 PM

   1. Be there6:32 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Dark7:21 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:21 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

4. Outer Loop–Outer Loop;Bluff Trail, 4 sights 3 mi away

   Leave by 6:31 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:31 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car7:09 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 7:09 PM — 11 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 4 min of walking

5. Valley Road 3 mi away

   Leave by 6:05 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:05 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car7:34 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 7:34 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.1 mi to the viewpoint · 50 ft climb · 54 min of walking

6. Veterans Memorial Trail 3.7 mi away

   Leave by 6:30 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:30 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car7:11 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 7:11 PM — 10 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 6 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

7. Old Plank Road Trail 5.4 mi away

   Leave by 6:27 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:27 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car7:13 PM
   5. Dark7:20 PM

   Back at your car by 7:13 PM — 7 min before dark.

   0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 12 min of walking

8. Des Plaines River Scenic Overlook–Main Trail, 3 sights 4.4 mi away

   Leave by 3:55 PM

   1. Leave trailhead3:55 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car9:42 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 9:42 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   6.3 mi to the viewpoint · 180 ft climb · 312 min of walking

9. Lake Strini 5.7 mi away

   Leave by 6:31 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:31 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car7:11 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 7:11 PM — 10 min before dark.

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 6 min of walking

10. Centennial Trail & Veterans Memorial Trail 6.7 mi away

    Leave by 6:26 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:26 PM
    2. Sunset6:53 PM
    3. Head back7:08 PM
    4. At your car7:15 PM
    5. Dark7:21 PM

    Back at your car by 7:15 PM — 6 min before dark.

    0.3 mi to the viewpoint · 14 min of walking

11. Junction Lock & Brandon Road Lock via Illinois & Michigan Trail 6.2 mi away

    Leave by 6:20 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:20 PM
    2. Sunset6:54 PM
    3. Head back7:09 PM
    4. At your car7:21 PM
    5. Dark7:21 PM

    Back at your car by 7:21 PM — 0 min before dark.

    0.5 mi to the viewpoint · 25 min of walking

12. Joliet Junction Trail 5.6 mi away

    Leave by 6:05 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:05 PM
    2. Sunset6:53 PM
    3. Head back7:08 PM
    4. At your car7:35 PM
    5. Dark7:21 PM

    Back at your car by 7:35 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.1 mi to the viewpoint · 55 min of walking