As the leaves start to change, the Elgin area offers some of the best views of fall color in the region. If you’re planning to get outside and see the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, this guide is for you. We’ve rounded up the top spots for leaf-peeping, from quiet hikes to family adventures, to help you plan the perfect autumn trip:
🍂 Explore Diverse Fall Landscape at Burnidge Forest Preserve
With nearly 600 acres of rolling terrain and beautiful vistas, Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin is one of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County’s largest and most impressive destinations for fall color. The hills on the southwest portion are covered in oak woodlands that explode with fiery reds and golds, creating breathtaking views that contrast with the quiet marshland at lower elevations. To the north, the restored golden prairie provides a striking autumnal scene. Visitors can walk the trails throughout the preserve to enjoy this impressive diversity of landscapes.
🍂 Pedal or Stroll Miles of Color Along the Fox River Trail
Running alongside the Fox River in Northern Illinois, this trail offers outdoor enthusiasts more than 40 miles of scenic biking, hiking, and jogging through a continuous corridor of spectacular fall foliage. Follow the path from Aurora to Algonquin and immerse yourself in a riverbank display of reds, oranges, and golds. The trail passes through many leaf-filled forest preserves, offering perfect spots to stop for a picnic or to recharge at a local restaurant along the way. This is the ultimate route for a long, unforgettable autumn outing.
🍂 Ride the Rails to see Autumn Views at the Fox River Trolley Museum
All aboard for a perfect fall-themed trip back in time. At the Fox River Trolley Museum, you will enjoy a nostalgic journey to an era when the electric trolley car was a vital part of American life. Experience the sights and sounds of history aboard a genuine old-time trolley car, which takes you on a four-mile round trip. The antique cars offer a unique vantage point to soak up the scenic Fox River valley foliage, making the banks of the river an unforgettable canvas of autumnal reds and golds.
🍂 Watch the Autumn Migration at Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary
Escape the crowd and discover a truly tranquil experience on Jelke Creek’s shared-use trails, perfect for persons on foot, bike, or horseback. As you travel along the designated paths in the crisp autumn air, you may encounter a wide variety of birds. This sanctuary is home to a year-round diversity of species and provides a vital, needed resting place for those migrating south for the winter, offering a quiet show of nature to enjoy alongside the brilliant foliage.
🍂 Discover the Rich Beauty of Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
Located on Route 31 in South Elgin, this preserve is a must-visit for autumn leaf-peepers. It offers woodland trails for hiking, a perfect riverside shoreline for picnicking beneath the changing canopy, and views of the Fox River. Heading south on the Riverbend Bike Trail will lead you to an 8-foot-high natural waterfall, which cascades and pools into a clear creek, framed by brilliant fall colors.
