3 Best Hiking Trails in Peoria, IL

“Forest Park Nature Center provides a pleasant environment with breathtaking views. The visitors can experience the unique natural beauty of the 540-acre Nature Center and Preserve. The Nature Center has 7 miles of hiking trails through forested woodlands and prairie openings. The trailhead has a natural history museum and bird observation room. The park includes hiking, a forest lake, a beach, dogs on leash, birding, walking, mountain and road biking, nature trips, wildflowers, and trail running. The Forest Park features various picnic shelters and is also wheelchair accessible.”

Read more

“Detweiller Park Trail Park has five or more miles of hiking paths which is perfect for nature enthusiasts. The Park is a frequently visited multi-use area for outdoor activities such as running, walking, soccer, volleyball, hiking, and birding. Detweiller Park Trail Park has one of the area's greatest and most varied collections of oaks, which may be found along Detweiller Drive, which cuts across a large portion of the park. In Detweiller Park, the early spring display of redbuds in blossom or the vibrant autumn foliage was not missing. Pets are welcome on the Detweiller Park Trail.”

Read more

“Grand View Drive ensures visitors a panoramic vista of the River Valley from the "world's most beautiful drive". They can also see many historic and outstanding homes that line the road. The linear park is especially lovely in the autumn when the leaves constantly change colors. There are 1.75 kilometers of paved sidewalk along Grand View Drive. The Grand View Drive has amenities like a baseball field, picnic tables, public restrooms, sand volleyball courts, shelters, and trails/hiking. Grand View Drive is also dog-friendly.”

Read more