Hiking
Pere Marquette State Park has about 12 miles of marked hiking trails, which IDNR says suit beginners and experienced hikers alike, through oak-hickory forest and up to overlooks on the river bluffs. The trails are open sunup to sundown, dogs are welcome on a leash, and bikes are not allowed. The most popular goal is the view from McAdams Peak.
Hiking at a Glance
What Hiking Here Is Like
IDNR sums it up as lush forests, towering bluffs and plenty of wildlife. The trails climb from the river road through wooded ravines to the top of the bluffs above the Illinois River. Look at the road cuts and trail banks: the pale, fine soil is loess, wind-blown glacial dust that IDNR says reaches 150 feet thick in places. The park itself was never covered by the glaciers.
Which Trail Should You Pick?
- For the view: head for McAdams Peak and Twin Mounds on the ridge. On IDNR's map, Goat Cliff Trail (yellow, 1 1/2 miles one way) runs out along the ridge near McAdams Peak. See McAdams Peak.
- For an easy walk: Hickory Trail (red) is the only trail IDNR's map rates easy, at 1/2 mile one way.
- For a longer hike: Fern Hollow Trail (orange) is the longest named trail at 2 1/4 miles. Hickory North (1 mile) and Hickory South (1 1/4 miles) add distance.
- For a short, hard climb: Ridge Trail (light blue) is only 1/4 mile one way, but it is the one the map key lists as difficult.
All 10 trails, with colors, are on the trail map page.
Good For
- Fall color: IDNR calls the park's wooded ravines and riverside roads a popular fall color drive.
- Winter birding: bald eagles roost along the Illinois River from December to March. See eagle watching.
- Families: free binoculars at the Visitor Center with a state ID.
Maybe Skip If
- You want to ride a bike: biking on hiking trails is illegal here. Use the paved Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail.
- You want to ride horses: they have their own 20 miles of trails. See horseback riding.
Free Guided Hikes
IDNR's natural resource coordinator leads guided hikes through the park's ecology, history and wildlife. Call the Visitor Center at (618) 786-3323 to schedule one for any size of group. The park also runs a calendar of public hikes:
- Guided weekend hikes: free, no reservation, meet at the Visitor Center at 11 a.m. on listed dates.
- Night hikes: a guided 2.5-mile hike at 7 p.m. on listed winter dates, about 1.5 hours; reservations recommended; bring a flashlight.
- Off-trail adventure: a strenuous guided hike off the main trails, reservations required, not for beginners.
Dates change each season; check the plan your visit page and IDNR's events page.
History on the Trails
IDNR says burial mounds are spread across the park, including one on top of McAdams Peak. Archaeologists describe six Native American cultures in the region. Treat the mounds with respect and stay on the trail. More in the park's history.
Hiking FAQ
How many miles of hiking trails are at Pere Marquette?
About 12 miles of marked trails, according to IDNR. The 10 named trails on the park map run from 1/4 mile to 2 1/4 miles.
What is the best hike at Pere Marquette State Park?
For a view, the trails to McAdams Peak and Twin Mounds on the bluff top. For distance, Fern Hollow Trail, the longest named trail at 2 1/4 miles.
Are dogs allowed on the trails at Pere Marquette?
Yes, on a leash. IDNR asks owners to pick up after their dogs.
Is Pere Marquette hiking hard?
Most trails are rated moderate on the IDNR map; Hickory Trail is easy and Ridge Trail is listed as difficult. Expect climbs from the river road to the bluff top.
Does Pere Marquette offer guided hikes?
Yes. Free guided hikes can be scheduled for any group size by calling the Visitor Center at (618) 786-3323, and public weekend and night hikes run on listed dates.