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. Helm Woods Forest Preserve Sunset Point & Private Utility Drive 2.1 mi away

   Leave by 6:30 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:30 PM
   2. Sunset6:56 PM
   3. Head back7:11 PM
   4. At your car7:16 PM
   5. Dark7:24 PM

   Back at your car by 7:16 PM — 8 min before dark.

   0.2 mi to the viewpoint · 10 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

2. Central Loop Trail (0.5mi) Sunset Point & Helm Woods Forest Preserve Sunset Point Loop 2.2 mi away

   Leave by 6:23 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:23 PM
   2. Sunset6:56 PM
   3. Head back7:11 PM
   4. At your car7:22 PM
   5. Dark7:24 PM

   Back at your car by 7:22 PM — 1 min before dark.

   0.5 mi to the viewpoint · 25 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

3. Private Utility Drive 2.6 mi away

   Leave by 6:16 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:16 PM
   2. Sunset6:56 PM
   3. Head back7:11 PM
   4. At your car7:28 PM
   5. Dark7:24 PM

   Back at your car by 7:28 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 80 ft climb · 37 min of walking

4. Meyer Drive 3.4 mi away

   Be there by 6:36 PM

   1. Be there6:36 PM
   2. Sunset6:56 PM
   3. Dark7:24 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:24 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

5. McHenry County Prairie Trail 2.5 mi away

   Be there by 6:36 PM

   1. Be there6:36 PM
   2. Sunset6:56 PM
   3. Dark7:24 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:24 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

6. Fox River Trail 0.4 mi away

   Be there by 6:36 PM

   1. Be there6:36 PM
   2. Sunset6:56 PM
   3. Dark7:24 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:24 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

7. Longmeadow Trail 0.4 mi away

   Be there by 6:36 PM

   1. Be there6:36 PM
   2. Sunset6:56 PM
   3. Dark7:24 PM

   Your car is right there — dark at 7:24 PM.

   The viewpoint is right at the trailhead

8. South Lake & McHenry County Prairie Trail 2.5 mi away

   Leave by 6:24 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:24 PM
   2. Sunset6:56 PM
   3. Head back7:11 PM
   4. At your car7:23 PM
   5. Dark7:24 PM

   Back at your car by 7:23 PM — 1 min before dark.

   0.5 mi to the viewpoint · 24 min of walking

9. Burr Oak–Lake Braewood, 3 sights 1.8 mi away

   Leave by 6:17 PM

   1. Leave trailhead6:17 PM
   2. Sunset6:56 PM
   3. Head back7:11 PM
   4. At your car7:29 PM
   5. Dark7:24 PM

   Back at your car by 7:29 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

   0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 70 ft climb · 37 min of walking

10. Gooseberry–The Woods, 3 sights 2.2 mi away

    Leave by 6:17 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:17 PM
    2. Sunset6:56 PM
    3. Head back7:11 PM
    4. At your car7:30 PM
    5. Dark7:24 PM

    Back at your car by 7:30 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    0.7 mi to the viewpoint · 38 min of walking

11. Old Donlea Road 3.4 mi away

    Leave by 6:04 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:04 PM
    2. Sunset6:56 PM
    3. Head back7:11 PM
    4. At your car7:41 PM
    5. Dark7:24 PM

    Back at your car by 7:41 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

    1.2 mi to the viewpoint · 60 ft climb · 62 min of walkingTrailhead visible from the viewpoint

12. Cary Lake & Brown Trail 3.9 mi away

    Leave by 6:25 PM

    1. Leave trailhead6:25 PM
    2. Sunset6:56 PM
    3. Head back7:11 PM
    4. At your car7:22 PM
    5. Dark7:24 PM

    Back at your car by 7:22 PM — 2 min before dark.

    0.4 mi to the viewpoint · 22 min of walkingCar visible from the viewpoint

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