White Pines Forest State Park, Illinois, United States
4.5 (191 reviews) Spent Ranking #1 in Mount Morris State Parks
Great Get Away
Illinois' third oldest state park is rich in history.
Address
6712 W Pines Rd, Mount Morris, IL 61054-9515
Mobile
Website
http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R1/WHITEPNS.htm
Current local date and time now
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 9:10
User Ratings
4.5 based on (191 reviews)
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Reviews
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5michelebarry2 5:00 PM Oct 11, 2022
Really nice State Park with entertainment and food options!
Great state park with beautiful updated cabins and food and drink options right on site. Trails are pretty good as well. Dinner Theatre offered year round right on site.
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5Indy-ND 5:00 PM Jul 13, 2021
Hike the Orange Trail!
What I expected to be just a short stop to hit a quick trail turned out to be a hidden gem. I had never even heard of White Pines Forest SP until I was looking for things to do between Madison, WI and home. Al l had was the map on my phone, so I found my way to the Blue Trail which is right by lodge. It is a easy hike with a little elevation change and a few steps and a small bridge. It was fine, but mostly forgettable. I stopped in at the lodge store, which I didn't realize was closed until I walked in and a person stocking the shelves told me. I asked what trails she recommended to hike and she said I should head to the other side of the park, past the two river fords and see what I thought. After driving through the river in two spots, which is pretty cool to do actually, I ended up in a parking lot by a bridge. I walked over the bridge to check out the view and found the start of the Orange Trail. This trail is why you should check the park out if you enjoy a good hike. It is a hard hike (well, as hard as you will find around this area) as you will be going up and down hills with rough terrain, crossing creeks multiple times using either big rocks or concrete pylons, and climbing or descending a large staircase (depending on which direction you started from.) I suggest going counterclockwise since you will be climbing down the stairs rather than up. Don't let the initial stone steps scare you off from going that way. You will be glad you did. Great park though. The Orange Trail is excellent. I was there roughly 2 hours total and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's good to find a nice hiking area that you don't have to spend all day at if you have limited time.
