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Gretchen Steele: Here are Illinois hiking trails worth exploring in late summer

A visitor admires a historic tree at Beall Woods State Park, one of the many places in Illinois to explore and admire the outdoors in late summer. (Photo by Gretchen Steele)

Late July is the sweet spot of summer in Illinois. The bugs (mostly) settle down, the early morning air still holds a touch of cool, and the woods are a riot of green growth, blooms, birdsong, and rustling leaves. It’s the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots or pump up those bike tires and get out on your local trails.
But don’t underestimate the magic just down the road.

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