Illinois · Hiking

River Ridge Back Pack Trail

River Ridge Back Pack TrailPhoto: bradipo, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
9.7 mi
loop
851 ft
climb
674 ft
high point
Loop
route
Apr–Jun, Aug–Oct
best months

River Ridge Back Pack Trail is a 9.7-mile loop in Illinois's Russell M. Duffin Nature Preserve, a private land unit. The trail rises from about 589 feet to a high point of 674 feet, with an elevation gain of 851 feet, and is rated moderate. The steepest stretch comes at about 8.2 miles, where the grade reaches 13%. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 75°F and September highs around 80°F, with July peaking near 86°F. The trail is not wheelchair accessible, and the preserve charges a fee. Bikes and horses are not allowed. Plan for a full day on foot.

Local outfitters

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  • Nearby · Dark Sky Trail · Doyle Trail · Tall Timbers Trail
  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Aug–Oct

    Best time to visit River Ridge Back Pack Trail

    Best months: April–June and August–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

      35° / 17°

      9 wet · 5 snow

    2. Feb

      40° / 21°

      9 wet · 4 snow

    3. Mar

      51° / 30°

      10 wet · 2 snow

    4. Apr

      64° / 40°

      11 wet

    5. May

      75° / 51°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 61°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 63°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 61°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      80° / 53°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      67° / 42°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      52° / 32°

      10 wet · 1 snow

    12. Dec

      40° / 23°

      10 wet · 3 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Perrysville 4 Wnw, IN, 4.8 mi away at 611 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors