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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyGround

Chief Shauwanasee Trail

Bonfield, Illinois · Kankakee County

Chief Shauwanasee Trail is a easy hiking trail near Bonfield in Kankakee County, Illinois.. The surface is ground. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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41.21975, -87.97667
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Chief Shauwanasee Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High84°F
Avg Low67°F
Peak Rain Chance19%
Humidity78%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality58 · Moderate
Today
☁️
Overcast
76°/60°
💧 2%🌬 6mph
5:40 AM8:16 PM
Sat
☁️
Overcast
84°/62°
💧 1%🌬 11mph
5:40 AM8:15 PM
Sun
Thunderstorm
89°/70°
💧 3%🌬 9mph
5:41 AM8:14 PM
Mon
Violent Rain
86°/71°
💧 19%🌬 17mph
5:42 AM8:13 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
85°/71°
💧 6%🌬 11mph
5:43 AM8:12 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Chief Shauwanasee Trail

Chief Shauwanasee Trail is a easy hiking trail near Bonfield in Kankakee County, Illinois.. The surface is ground. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Illinois

Trail conditions in Illinois change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Chief Shauwanasee Trail?

Chief Shauwanasee Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

What is the trail surface on Chief Shauwanasee Trail?

The surface is ground. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike Chief Shauwanasee Trail?

Illinois has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.