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. Des Plaines River Scenic Overlook–Main Trail, 3 sights 0 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

2. Lake Strini 2.7 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

3. Centennial Trail & Veterans Memorial Trail 3.2 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

4. Hawthorne Hill Woods Trail & Veterans Memorial Trail 3.2 mi away

   Leave by 6:31 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:31 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car7:10 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

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

   0.1 mi to the viewpoint · 4 min of walking

5. I&M Canal Trail 0.3 mi away

   Leave by 6:25 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:25 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car7:16 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 7:16 PM — 4 min before dark.

   0.3 mi to the viewpoint · 16 min of walking

6. Lily Cache Greenway 3.4 mi away

   Leave by 5:48 PM

   1. Leave trailhead5:48 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car7:54 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 7:54 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   1.9 mi to the viewpoint · 92 min of walking

7. ComEd Greenway 3.4 mi away

   Be there by 6:33 PM

   1. Be there6:33 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

8. Consumers Quarry–Great Lakes Quarry, 5 lakes 0.6 mi away

   Leave by 4:41 PM

   1. Leave trailhead4:41 PM
   2. Sunset6:53 PM
   3. Head back7:08 PM
   4. At your car9:01 PM
   5. Dark7:21 PM

   Back at your car by 9:01 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   4.6 mi to the viewpoint · 225 min of walking

9. 159th Street Bikeway & Veterans Memorial Trail via Spring Creek Greenway 4.9 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

10. Main Trail 5.8 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 walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

11. Hawthorne Hill Woods Trail & Valley Trail (1.0 mi) via Greene Trail 6.5 mi away

    Leave by 6:29 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:29 PM
    2. Sunset6:53 PM
    3. Head back7:08 PM
    4. At your car7:12 PM
    5. Dark7:21 PM

    Back at your car by 7:12 PM — 9 min before dark.

    0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 8 min of walking

12. White Oak Trail (2.7 mi) 6.6 mi away

    Leave by 6:29 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:29 PM
    2. Sunset6:53 PM
    3. Head back7:08 PM
    4. At your car7:13 PM
    5. Dark7:21 PM

    Back at your car by 7:13 PM — 8 min before dark.

    0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 8 min of walking