If you want to enjoy the summer, most people say a great hike is key.

Personally, I've never been much of a hiker. To be honest, I'm not much of an outdoors man. I've only camped out once in my entire life.

That being said, there are plenty of people that aren't me (thankfully). There are people that enjoy the outdoors, the smell of trees and woodsy-ness in all its glory.

Those are the people that go on hikes. They wear special hiking shoes (or boots), climb rocks and have big backpacks full of gear. Those are the people, that as I write this, I kind of wish I was. I mean, I like granola bars. Those fit perfectly in big backpacks for long hikes.

Thrillist put a list together for people who want to hike outside of Chicago. Yeah, because hiking in Chicago means chasing after a bus.

Anyway, one of the most underrated hikes outside of Chicago can be found in Oregon, about 40 minutes southwest of Rockford.

They list Castle Rock State Park as one of the most underrated.

According to Thrillist,

"Witness sunset-colored sandstone bluffs, red-bellied woodpeckers, and swallows diving for insects while kayaking along Rock River or sharpen your photography skills along six miles of marked hiking trails, which are prime cross-country skiing and tobogganing paths in the winter. Short, but quiet and scenic trails lead to fantastic river views at the bluff-top overlook. The region's rolling topography and woodlands also present stellar overnight camping."

Looking at some of the pictures on Instagram, Castle Rock might be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

There's this.

And there's this.

They look like they're having fun.

And then there's this.

That guy almost makes me wish I knew how to camp, or set up a tent. But most of all that guy makes me wish I knew how to fire dance.

Is Castle Rock one of the best hikes in the state? Which is your favorite? Let me know!

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