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. Illinois and Michigan Canal 1.2 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

2. I&M Canal Trail 0 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

3. Centennial Trail 3.4 mi away

   Leave by 5:40 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:40 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car8:01 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 8:01 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.2 mi to the viewpoint · 107 min of walking

4. 159th Street Bikeway & Veterans Memorial Trail via Spring Creek Greenway 3.5 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

5. Veterans Memorial Trail 3.8 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

6. Old Plank Road Trail 6.2 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

7. Tear-Thumb Trail & Veterans Memorial Trail via Main Trail 6.4 mi away

   Leave by 5:11 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:11 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car8:26 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 8:26 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   3.2 mi to the viewpoint · 170 ft climb · 160 min of walking

8. ComEd Greenway 6.9 mi away

   Leave by 5:43 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:43 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car7:57 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 7:57 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   2.0 mi to the viewpoint · 50 ft climb · 99 min of walking

9. Des Plaines River Scenic Overlook–Main Trail, 3 sights 3.5 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

10. Lake Strini 4.9 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

11. Oak Spur Trail & Veterans Memorial Trail 6.4 mi away

    Leave by 4:22 PM

    1. Leave trailhead4:22 PM
    2. Sunset6:53 PM
    3. Head back7:08 PM
    4. At your car9:14 PM
    5. Dark7:21 PM

    Back at your car by 9:14 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    5.1 mi to the viewpoint · 240 ft climb · 257 min of walking

12. Junction Lock & Brandon Road Lock via Illinois & Michigan Trail 6.9 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