Illinois · Hiking

Orange Trail

Orange TrailPhoto: bdearth, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
1.1 mi
loop
26 ft
climb
784 ft
high point
Loop
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Orange Trail is an easy 1.1-mile loop in Illinois, about 2 miles from the town of Shirland. The trail rises from 779 feet to 784 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 26 feet, so it's a gentle walk that stays within a few dozen feet of its starting point. The route turns the steepest at about 0.32 miles, where the grade reaches about 5%. Because the loop stays mostly flat, it works well as a short outing or a warm-up before longer hikes in the area. For timing, late spring through early fall is the most comfortable stretch. Typical averages from the nearby Beloit, Wisconsin weather station run from highs around 67°F in May to 71°F in September, with July peaking near 80°F. The station sits about 10.8 miles away and at nearly the same elevation as the trail, so its figures are a fair guide. Green Trail is about 1.4 miles away, and Blue Trail is roughly 2.6 miles away, both offering more hiking close to Shirland.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Orange Trail

    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

      25° / 11°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      29° / 14°

      7 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 24°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      55° / 34°

      10 wet

    5. May

      67° / 46°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      76° / 56°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 60°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 58°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      71° / 50°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      58° / 39°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      43° / 27°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 17°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Beloit, WI, 10.8 mi away at 788 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors