Illinois · Hiking

Bluestem Loop

0.4 mi
loop
12 ft
climb
690 ft
high point
Loop
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

Bluestem Loop is a short, easy loop in Rock Springs Conservation Area in Illinois, on land managed by a regional agency. The trail is about 0.4 miles long and sits at roughly 670 feet, with a high point of about 690 feet and a total elevation gain of 12 feet. The climb is flat, with the steepest stretch at about 0.2 miles in, and the route is a loop, so you return to your starting point. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Decatur show May highs around 74°F and October highs around 65°F, while July averages about 85°F and January highs sit near 34°F. The loop is close to several other short trails. Woodland Trail, Big Oak Loop and River Trail are each about 0.2 miles away, and Lookout Trail is about 0.3 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Bluestem 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, 3.7 mi away at 639 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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