Illinois · Hiking

Big Oak Loop

1.2 mi
loop
89 ft
climb
676 ft
high point
Loop
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

Big Oak Loop is a short, easy hike of about 1.2 miles in a loop, set within Rock Springs Conservation Area on Regional Agency Land in Illinois. The trail rises from about 591 feet to about 676 feet, with the steepest stretch at roughly 0.64 miles in, where the grade reaches about 7%. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Decatur show May highs around 74°F and September highs around 78°F, with July the warmest month at about 85°F. The trail is closed to bikes and horses. Several other short hikes sit close by, including River Trail about 0.1 mile away, Bluestem Loop about 0.2 mile away, Woodland Trail about 0.4 mile away and Lookout Trail about 0.6 mile away.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Big Oak Loop

    Best months: April and June–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

      34° / 20°

      9 wet · 3 snow

    2. Feb

      39° / 24°

      8 wet · 2 snow

    3. Mar

      51° / 33°

      10 wet · 1 snow

    4. Apr

      63° / 43°

      11 wet

    5. May

      74° / 54°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      82° / 63°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      85° / 67°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 65°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      78° / 57°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      65° / 46°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      50° / 34°

      10 wet · 1 snow

    12. Dec

      39° / 25°

      9 wet · 2 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Decatur Wtp, IL, 3.9 mi away at 639 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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