Morton Arboretum Big Rock Loop Hiking Guide
The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre outdoor museum of trees in Lisle, and many visitors see it mostly from the car. On foot it is a different place: 16 miles of wood-chip trails wind through woodlands, prairie and collections of trees from around the world. The Big Rock loop is one of the longest walks through it, about six miles, and in October it is one of the best fall-colour walks around Chicago.
Permit: Paid timed-entry admission to The Morton Arboretum required; prices vary by day and are cheaper when bought online in advance
The Loop
Mapping apps list the Morton Arboretum and Big Rock loop at about 6 miles with roughly 310 feet of gain, rated easy. It follows the arboretum's wood-chip trails through woodland and past the Big Rock area. For a shorter walk, a 3.1-mile loop via the Joy Path and Main Trails covers the highlights with around 190 feet of gain.
Admission
The arboretum charges timed-entry admission, with dynamic pricing that varies by day and is cheaper the earlier you buy. Online tickets are always $2 less than at the gate, children 3 and under are free, and DuPage County residents get discounts on Wednesdays. Buying ahead is especially worthwhile for autumn weekends.
No Dogs (Mostly)
Dogs are not allowed at the arboretum except on designated Dog Admission Days and special events such as Tails on the Trails, which require a separate dog ticket. Service dogs are welcome every day. Check the arboretum's events calendar if you want to bring your dog.
Seasons
October is peak season: the maples, oaks and ginkgos in the collections put on a spectacular fall-colour display. Spring brings flowering trees and woodland wildflowers. In winter the arboretum stays open and the quiet trails are good for snowy walks. Summer is shady in the woodland sections.
Practicalities
The arboretum is at 4100 Illinois Route 53 in Lisle and opens at 9 a.m., closing at sunset. Bikes are allowed on the roads but not the trails. The arboretum may limit access temporarily without notice, for example in severe weather. It is about 40 minutes west of downtown Chicago.
Hiking tips for Morton Arboretum Big Rock Loop
- Buy timed admission online in advance — it is always cheaper than at the gate.
- Come in October for peak fall colour across the tree collections.
- Leave the dog at home unless it is a designated Dog Admission Day.
- Take the 3.1-mile Joy Path loop if six miles is more than you want.
- Keep bikes to the roads; the wood-chip trails are for walking only.
Nearby trails to explore
- Waterfall Glen Trail
- Swallow Cliff Stairs
- Busse Woods Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The Morton Arboretum is Chicago's easiest escape into the trees, especially in October. Use TrailMates to find Chicago hikers for a fall-colour walk. Download the TrailMates app to connect.