Illinois · Hiking

Big Wheel

0.7 mi
round trip
281 ft
climb
799 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

Big Wheel is an easy out-and-back hike in Seth B Atwood Park in Rockford, Illinois, on land managed by a regional agency. The trail is about 1.4 miles long and runs from a low point of 706 feet to a high point of 799 feet, with the steepest stretch coming near the start at about 8% grade. The one-way climb is 133 feet, and the round trip adds up to about 281 feet of elevation gain and loss. Late spring and early fall tend to be the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Rockford show May highs around 71°F and September highs around 75°F, with July the warmest month at about 84°F. Several other short hikes sit within half a mile, including Burn and Turn, Grant's March and Founder's 56. Paved Path is about 8 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Big Wheel

    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

      29° / 15°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 18°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      46° / 28°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      60° / 38°

      12 wet

    5. May

      71° / 49°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      81° / 60°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 64°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 62°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 53°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      62° / 42°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      47° / 31°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      34° / 20°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Rockford Gtr Rockford Ap, IL, 2.2 mi away at 730 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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