Where to hike around Galena?

Can you give me some information on hiking around the Galena area? - Linda Jo, Algonquin, Ill.

There's a hiking trail right in Galena. The 3½-mile Galena River Trail follows the river south of town from the U.S. 20 bridge. You'll be sharing the trail with bicyclists, but it's very pleasant.

For more, see Outdoors in Galena.

Half an hour east of Galena, Apple River Canyon State Park has five hiking trails and is very scenic.

If you go the first Saturday or Sunday of June, July, August or September, you can "hike'' to Illinois' highest point, which is nearby in Charles Mound.

It's on private property a mile and a half from where you'll park your car. At 1,235 feet, it's not very high, but the view is nice.

For more, see Peak hiking. 

If you're willing to drive a bit, you can get some great Mississippi River views by hiking the trails across the river at Dubuque's Mines of Spain Recreation Area or in Wisconsin at Nelson Dewey State Park, just north of Cassville.