3 Best Hiking Trails in Peoria, IL

“Forest Park Nature Center is one of the top-rated and well-maintained hiking trails in Peoria Heights, IL. The Nature Centre is situated alongside the Illinois River Road and takes immense pride in its location. This center is nestled in the Illinois River's beautiful scenic forested bluffs. The visitors to this unique 540-acre Nature Center and Preserve can experience the natural beauty of Illinois. 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.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Picnic Shelters Available
• Maintained Trails.”

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“Detweiller Park Trail Park is a well-known hiking trail in Peoria, IL. The park has five or more miles of hiking paths, which cross the Illinois River bluffs and are perfect for nature enthusiasts. Detweiller is a frequently visited multi-use location in the Peoria 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.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Offers Free Parking
• Playground Swings Available
• Dogs Allowed.”

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“Grand View Drive is a popular hiking trail and a 2.52-mile-long leisurely meandering driveway built in 1903 and in Peoria, IL. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Illinois River Valley from the "world's most beautiful drive," as President Theodore Roosevelt dubbed it during a visit to Peoria in 1910. 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.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Scenic Views
• Picnic Tables Available
• Dogs Friendly.”

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