Illinois · Hiking

Big Jump Prairie

0.4 mi
round trip
142 ft
climb
791 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Big Jump Prairie is a short, easy hike on the Middle Rock River Fee in Illinois, managed by a non-governmental organization. The route is about 0.86 miles long and is an out-and-back, with the high point at 791 feet and the low at 718 feet. The climb is gentle, with a total gain of 142 feet for the round trip, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.15 miles in. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Dixon show May highs around 71°F and September highs around 75°F, with lows in the 50s. Stone Barn Savanna is about 2 miles away, and Forest Ridge and Heather Valley are each about 4.5 miles off. Paddlers can reach Pine Creek, about 9 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Big Jump Prairie

    Best months: April–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      29° / 14°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      34° / 17°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      46° / 28°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      60° / 39°

      10 wet

    5. May

      71° / 51°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 61°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      83° / 64°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 62°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 54°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      63° / 42°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      48° / 31°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      34° / 20°

      8 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dixon 1w, IL, 10.7 mi away at 660 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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