Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Hikes
United States
Illinois
Cook County

Burnham

The best walks and hikes around Burnham

5.0

(9)

36

hikers

4

hikes

Hiking around Burnham offers diverse outdoor opportunities across several distinct locations, each with unique landscapes. The region features urban wilderness areas with woodlands, butterfly meadows, and prairies, alongside extensive sandy beaches and coastal paths. It also provides access to vast trail networks within state forests and ancient woodlands characterized by centuries-old trees. The terrain varies from flat, paved paths suitable for easy walks to challenging mountain ascents.

Best hiking trails around Burnham

  • The most popular hiking route is Wicker Memorial…

Last updated: June 28, 2026

5.0

(2)

15

hikers

#1.

Wicker Memorial Loop

3.86km

00:59

10m

10m

Embark on an easy hike along the Wicker Memorial Loop, a paved path winding through a lush, green urban oasis. This family-friendly route offers a pleasant escape, taking you past…

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

The Thorn Creek Bicycle Trail offers an easy hiking experience, guiding you through a varied landscape of dense woods and open meadows. You will follow the tranquil Thorn Creek and…

Easy
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

3

hikers

9.79km

02:28

10m

10m

The Wolf Lake Trail offers a delightful, flat journey around the tranquil Wolf Lake, perfect for a leisurely outing. You'll enjoy continuous water views, especially from the Wolf Lake Boardwalk,…

Moderate

Embark on a challenging hike along the Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail, a difficult route that stretches for 23.2 miles (37.4 km). You will gain 196 feet (60 metres) in…

Hard

23.9km

06:00

20m

20m

Embark on the Major Taylor Trail, a challenging 14.8-mile (23.9 km) hike that winds through Chicago's diverse southwest side. Despite its minimal 64 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, the…

Hard

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Burnham

Road Cycling Routes around Burnham

Cycling around Burnham

Running Trails around Burnham

Tips from the Community

oliviakellis
January 25, 2024, Major Taylor Trail

Stretching from Dan Ryan Woods south to Whistler Woods, the Major Taylor Trail offers a diverse route with paved, off-street, and on-street segments managed by the Chicago Park District. Named after Marshall "Major" Taylor, an African-American bicycle racer and civil rights advocate, the trail pays homage to Taylor's exceptional career.

0

0

AverieOutside
January 24, 2024, Whistler Woods

Whistler Woods is home to oaks that are 300 years old and hosts a portion of the Major Taylor Trail, a trail that is over 8 miles long.

0

0

oliviakellis
January 19, 2024, Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park, the Village's primary 75-acre park, offers diverse amenities like pavilions, play structures, disc golf, and sports courts. With wooded and open areas, walking trails, fishing ponds, and wildlife observation stands, the park provides a serene escape. ADA accessible, it features off-street parking, public restrooms, and rest stop benches.

0

0

oliviakellis
January 19, 2024, Dan Ryan Woods

Dan Ryan Woods, a beloved family destination on Chicago's South Side, spans 257 acres. Featuring sledding hills, historic aqueducts, fitness stairs, and a mile-long paved loop connecting to the Major Taylor Trail, it offers diverse recreational opportunities. Beyond its recreational appeal, Dan Ryan Woods supports a thriving ecosystem with native plants, a variety of animals, and migratory birds.

0

0

This elevated boardwalk above Wolf Lake allows you to get up close to one of Chicago's much-loved lakes. Look out for birds and ducks bobbing on the water and the beautiful flora that surrounds the shores.

0

0

Take in spectacular skyline views of Chicago from the scenic Wolf Lake Memorial Park and peaceful trails encircling Wolf Lake.

1

0

With this Boardwalk, the port authority has made it possible to connect previously inaccessible areas. This construction has succeeded in allowing cyclists and walkers to better appreciate their environment.

1

0

Silas
September 1, 2022, Wolf Lake Boardwalk

Good spot for fishing

0

1

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of hiking experiences can I expect around Burnham?

Burnham offers a wide array of hiking experiences, from urban parklands with woodlands and butterfly meadows, such as those found in Burnham Park, Chicago, to extensive sandy beaches and coastal paths like those near Burnham-on-Sea, UK. You can also find vast trail networks within state forests in Pennsylvania or ancient woodlands with centuries-old trees at Burnham Beeches, UK. The terrain varies from flat, paved paths to challenging mountain ascents.

Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in Burnham?

Yes, for an easy and accessible outing, consider the Wicker Memorial Loop. This 2.4-mile (3.9 km) trail is perfect for a quick stroll and is suitable for families. In Burnham Park, Chicago, paved paths and boardwalks wind through natural areas, offering easy opportunities for nature observation.

Where can I find longer or more challenging hikes in the Burnham area?

For a moderate, longer excursion, the Wolf Lake Trail covers 6.1 miles (9.8 km) with varied terrain. If you're seeking a more challenging, long-distance route, the Thorn Creek Red Paved Trail extends for 23.2 miles (37.4 km) through natural areas. For experienced hikers looking for dramatic mountain scenery, Mount Burnham in the San Gabriel Mountains, USA, offers strenuous multi-peak hikes with sections of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Are there any circular walks available in Burnham?

Yes, the Wicker Memorial Loop is an easy 2.4-mile (3.9 km) circular route, ideal for a straightforward outing. In Burnham, Pennsylvania, the Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area also features an easy 5-mile loop, and the Bear Meadows Loop is a 3.5-mile option.

What kind of natural attractions or landmarks can I see along the trails?

Around Burnham, you can explore diverse natural features. Near some trails, you might encounter the Wolf Lake Boardwalk or relax at Calumet Beach. Burnham Park in Chicago features woodlands, butterfly meadows, and prairies with native grasses and wildflowers. Burnham Beeches, UK, is renowned for its ancient pollarded beech trees and rich wildlife, including rare plant and animal species, alongside earthworks dating back to the Late Bronze Age.

Are there any coastal hiking opportunities in Burnham?

Yes, Burnham-on-Sea, UK, offers extensive sandy beaches and is part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. You can enjoy coastal walks, with the fortified promontory of Brean Down providing panoramic views. The hard-packed beaches are safe and clean for outdoor activities.

What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Burnham?

The hiking routes in Burnham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 9 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, which includes urban parklands, coastal stretches, and extensive forest networks, offering options for different ability levels.

Are there trails suitable for cycling or multi-use in Burnham?

Yes, the Thorn Creek Bicycle Trail is a 7.5 km route that is also suitable for hiking. Additionally, the Illinois Pennsy Greenway is a notable cycleway that can be explored. Burnham Park in Chicago also features a segment of the 22-mile-long Lakefront Trail, which caters to various outdoor pursuits including cycling and walking.

Can I find trails that offer views of lakes or water bodies?

Absolutely. The Wolf Lake Trail features varied terrain around Wolf Lake itself. You can also visit Whiting Lakefront Park or Whihala Beach County Park for views and access to water. Burnham Park in Baguio City, Philippines, is centered around an artificial lake where visitors can enjoy boating.

Are there any historical sites or ancient woodlands to explore?

Yes, Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire, UK, is a significant ancient woodland known for its centuries-old pollarded beech trees. It also features earthworks dating back to the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age, adding a rich historical dimension to its natural beauty.

How many hiking trails are available in the Burnham region?

There are at least 4 distinct hiking routes detailed for the Burnham region, with many more options available across its diverse locations, including extensive trail networks within state forests in Pennsylvania and urban parklands in Chicago.

What is the best time of year to hike in Burnham?

The best time to hike varies by location within Burnham. In Burnham Park, Chicago, the butterfly meadows and prairies with native grasses and wildflowers bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall, offering vibrant scenery. For coastal walks in Burnham-on-Sea, UK, the climate is often characterized by clear sunshine and fresh air, making it enjoyable for outdoor activities.

Most popular routes around Burnham

Road Cycling Routes around Burnham

Most popular attractions around Burnham

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

ChicagoCountrysideWorthHodgkinsCrabtree PreserveBerkeleyBurbankStone ParkRiversidePalos HillsPalos HeightsInvernessOak ForestNorthfieldFranklin ParkNorthlakeBrookfieldBellwoodMaywoodHickory HillsMidlothianSchiller ParkSummitWinnetkaLyonsBroadviewSkokieMelrose ParkBerwynLincolnwoodKenilworthOak ParkOak LawnWestchesterNorthbrookHillsideBarrington HillsMccookNorth RiversideDes PlainesLa Grange ParkSpring Lake PreservePark RidgeSouth BarringtonRiver ForestForest ParkGlenviewCiceroCountry Club HillsCrestwoodBlue IslandTinley ParkProspect HeightsStreamwoodRobbinsWilmetteMarkhamHarveyBarringtonIndian Head ParkJusticeLa GrangeGlencoeSpring Lake Forest PreserveHarwood HeightsRiver GroveRosemontSchaumburgCalumet CityOrland HillsGolfMorton GroveBridgeviewStickneyForest ViewWillow SpringsAlsipNilesBedford ParkElmwood ParkHoffman EstatesOrland ParkPalatineDeer Grove Nature PreserveChicago RidgeMount ProspectPalos ParkHomewoodElk Grove VillageRolling MeadowsWestern SpringsHazel CrestDoltonLynwoodWheelingMattesonArlington HeightsSouth HollandMerrionette ParkFlossmoorEast Hazel CrestEvergreen ParkPosenPhoenixFord HeightsLansingRichton ParkBusse WoodsChicago HeightsGlenwoodEvanstonThorntonRiverdaleNorridgeHometownCalumet ParkDixmoorLemontHeritage Quarries Recreation AreaPark ForestStegerOlympia FieldsSauk VillageSouth Chicago HeightsPullman National Monument

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Calumet City

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy