hiking near chicago

[Serial 07]

i will be in chicago next week and want to go hiking...i have all the gear for very cold weather and am willing to drive 6 maybe even 7 hours if it's epic...i'm contemplating going all the way to the U.P. but would happily settle for the ice age trail if there is something sweet to see...i'm looking to do 30 to 50 miles preferably a loop and will have my dog...i'm doing some research now but am hoping for a couple stellar suggestions...thanks!

[echoes]

Hiking options in the immediate Chicago area are pretty limited or nonexistent, especially for overnight trips.

I've done the Manistee River/North Country Trail loop in Michigan (L.P.) a couple times and it's a beautiful hike in the fall. Not sure about the winter. I think it's about a 20-23 mile loop and less than a 5 hour drive from Chicago. I'm sure there are longer loops in the U.P. or northern Wisconsin, but it's probably pretty wintry up there now.

You may want to look into southern Illinois, Red River Gorge in Kentucky, or the Knobstone Trail (~60 miles, supposedly pretty rugged) in southern Indiana. Would definitely be warmer there.

[HiKen2011]

Check with Turtel Feet, she's in that area.

[Tennessee Viking]

American Discovery Trail.

[Slacks]

I went to school at Southern Illinois University, just a few minutes from Shawnee National Forest. There's not as much that I know about for the distance you want, but if you are interested in a few shorter hikes there are numerous trails within a few miles of eachother. The plus to this choice is obviously warmer weather. However, these trails are really beautiful and worth checking out.

http://www.shawneeforest.com/Hiking.aspx

Garden of the Gods and Heron Pond are particularly breathtaking

[Sapelo]

I recommend the Illinois River to River Trail. Not sure how you can do a loop but it is mostly National Forest Land with little to no restrictions on dogs.

[Old Boots]

Check out my home page for pix of the Ice Age Trail which is about 2 hours from Chitown

[Serial 07]

right now i'm looking at doing a loop in the northern kettle moraine state forest...lots of trails...anyone been there?