Illinois · Hiking

Hedgeapple Trail

Hedgeapple TrailPhoto: davidwilson1949, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
2.9 mi
round trip
81 ft
climb
699 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr, Jun–Oct
best months

Is Hedgeapple Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. It doesn't name Hedgeapple Trail, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Hedgeapple Trail is a short, easy out-and-back hike in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 2.9 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 81 feet, and it starts and ends at roughly 685 feet, with the high point at 699 feet. The climb is flat, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.58 miles in, with a grade of about 2 percent. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 71°F and September highs around 76°F, with July the warmest month at about 84°F. The hike takes about an hour. Twin Oaks Trail is about 1.4 miles away, and Bailey Bridge Trail is about 1.6 miles away. Group 63 Trail and Henslow Trail are both within about 2.3 miles.

  • Best time to go · Apr, Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Hedgeapple Trail

    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

      31° / 17°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      35° / 20°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      47° / 29°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      60° / 39°

      12 wet

    5. May

      71° / 49°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 60°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 64°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 63°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      76° / 55°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      63° / 43°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 32°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      36° / 22°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Joliet Brandon Rd Dam, IL, 7.7 mi away at 543 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.