As the weather starts to get warmer, and we get closer to Earth Day, it can never hurt to update your hiking trail list. If you’re like me, when you think of Peoria, the first thing you think of is usually not beautiful hiking trails. However, there are a lot of great places to stay active while connecting with nature in and around Peoria, Illinois.
Grandview Drive
Before anyone rolls their eyes, I know that this is one of the most popular spots in Peoria to go. However, I feel like not enough people know that they have a relatively decent size hiking trail. At one point along the beautiful view of the river, there is an entrance to a hiking trail that allows you to choose whether you’d like a longer or a shorter hike. No matter which trail you choose to take, you’re able to walk through the beautiful wooded area. You can even venture to see small streams and an open field where I saw a family of deer the last time I went hiking there. It truly is something you have to experience, especially if you already love the view from Grandview.
Trail to the Glen
If you’re looking for a short, beautiful walk, I would recommend Trail to the Glen. It’s only about a mile hike, and you get to walk through woods and rock figures. You’re even welcome to bring your dog if you want to have a hiking buddy! However, it is worth noting that despite the shorter trail length, it is a bit of a challenging hike with a lot of hills and it can get a bit slippery depending on which trail you take. As long as you’re okay with that, I highly recommend that you check this out and enjoy the beautiful sites!
South Robinson Trail
Although this trail is a little outside of Peoria, it’s absolutely worth the trip over. It’s a bit of a longer hike, but you get to experience a range of things from bridges over creeks to just beautifully colored leaves on the trees. However, do be aware that along with the length, there are also some steep moments where you really have to work your legs out. Being in nature with such beautiful sights makes it absolutely worth it. You truly get to feel immersed with nature the entire time you’re walking this trail.
Laura Bradley Park Loop
Even if you’re on campus and don’t have frequent means of transportation to get around Peoria, you can still hike! A short walk from Bradley’s campus is Laura Bradley Park Loop. Although the hike itself isn’t all that long if you don’t want to be, it is still worth the walk. You also get to count the walk to get there which is always a bonus! Once there, you get to walk through some wooded areas, and as you go further you’ll get to experience even more exciting aspects. If you continue with the trail, you’ll find a stunning bridge and a beautiful gazebo. You can go up hill at multiple points if you wanted to add another layer to it all, but that’s completely up to you!