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Recreation Activities

Hike Lake County

Like to hike? Experience Hike Lake County! Our annual fall walking program is a great way to enjoy time outdoors and reconnect with nature while exploring trails in preserves across the county. The trails are marked, the 2023 hiking shields and zipper pulls are stocked, and we are excited. Happy trails!

How It Works

1. Download our Travel Log to record each hike. Every hiker needs their own.

  • Dogs can join the fun! The Paw-Print-iStock icon indicates dog-friendly trails. Record your dog's name on your Travel Log when they complete a hike with you and receive a commemorative dog tag for their collar. Up to three dogs per participant.

2. Walk seven of the designated trails (or complete all 12) between August 15 and November 30. Look for the Hike Lake County logo at the trailhead of each participating preserve to get started on the right route. Bicycling and horseback riding do not count toward this program. 

Join an Upcoming Guided Hike!

3. Submit your Travel Log by January 31, 2024, to earn a free commemorative medallion.


LCFPD-001_Hike_Lake_County_Commemorative_Shield

Commemorative Medallions

Once you complete seven of this year's Hike Lake County trails, choose from one of the following commemorative medallions, while supplies last. The 2023 medallion features our 25-year celebration.

  • Hiking shield
  • Zipper pull / Dog tag

Merchandise 

Hiking sticks and Golden Guide Books are available for purchase at the Dunn Museum or Ryerson Welcome Center.


Thank you for participating in the 2023 Hike Lake County program. We love to read your notes and hear about your experiences exploring this year's trails.

Call 847-367-6640 or email forestpreserves@LCFPD.org for assistance. 

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

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

* Counts as two trails

Paw-Print-iStock Dog-friendly trails

♦️ Natural surface trails, not ADA accessible

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