The Lake County Forest Preserves has a challenge — or seven of them — for you. Grab your walking shoes and head to the trails to participate in the 25th annual Hike Lake County program while enjoying the change of seasons, fall breezes and autumn colors. Medical research shows that being outdoors in nature has many wellness benefits. Hike Lake County provides a way to get a dose of wellness while walking in a beautiful preserve.

Complete seven of 12 designated walks from August 15 through November 30 and you'll earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull. Each year features different trails and a colorful new shield or zipper pull. Bicycling or horseback riding do not count toward the program. At each selected preserve, look for Hike Lake County logo signs at the preserve entrance and trailhead to get you on the right route.

To get started, you'll need an official travel log to record your routes. Every walker needs their own. Let your canine companion join in the fun and complete the hikes with you. Record their name on your travel log and your dog will receive a free commemorative dog tag (up to three dogs). 

To receive your free dog tag, zipper pull or commemorative shield for your walking stick, submit your travel log online, or mail it with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Lake County Forest Preserves, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 by January 31, 2024.  You can also stop by the General Offices in Libertyville or the Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods to pick up your free commemorative materials. 

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2023 Hike Lake County Locations	Mileage	Trail Map	Directions
Fort Sheridan, Lake Forest ♦️	1.7	»	Let's Go!
Grant Woods, Lake Villa	1.6	»	Let's Go!
Grassy Lake, Lake Barrington	1.6	»	Let's Go!
Greenbelt, North Chicago	1.3	»	Let's Go!
Independence Grove, Libertyville	1.4	»	Let's Go!
Marl Flat, Round Lake	1.7	»	Let's Go!
McDonald Woods, Lindenhurst ♦️	2.4*	»	Let's Go!
Nippersink, Round Lake	1.3	»	Let's Go!
Pine Dunes, Antioch	2.2*	»	Let's Go!
Ryerson Conservation Area, Riverwoods♦️	1.5	»	Let's Go!
Singing Hills, Round Lake	2.6*	»	Let's Go!
Van Patten Woods, Wadsworth	1.7	»	Let's Go!
Wild Card–You Pick!	2*	»	Choose!

Choose a 2-mile Lake County Forest Preserves trail for your Wild Card.

* Counts as two trails

 Dog-friendly trails

♦️ Natural surface trails, not ADA accessible

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