Like to Hike?

Enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated Hike Lake County trails. At each preserve, look for the Hike Lake County logo at the trailhead to get you started on the right route.  

How It Works

Complete just seven of the hikes between August 15 and November 30, and you'll earn a commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull (while supplies last). Use the Travel Log to record each hike. Every hiker needs their own. Bicycling or horseback riding do not count toward the program.

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 commemorative dog tag (up to three dogs). You can even purchase an optional Hike Lake County dog collar to hang it on.

To receive your free dog tag, zipper pull or commemorative shield for your walking stick (while supplies last), submit your Travel Log online, bring it to any Hike Lake County Center, or mail it with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Lake County Forest Preserves, 1899 West Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 by January 31, 2019.

2018 Hike Lake County Challenge Trails

Fox River, 2.2 miles*. Trail Map »
Grant Woods, 1.6 miles^. Trail Map »
Heron Creek, 1.6 miles. Trail Map »
Lyons Woods, 1.2 miles. Trail Map »
Marl Flat, 1.8 miles. Trail Map »
Middlefork Savanna, 2.6 miles*. Trail Map »
Prairie Wolf, 1.7 miles. Trail Map »
Raven Glen, 1.4 miles. Trail Map »
Rollins Savanna, 3.7 miles*. Trail Map »
Sedge Meadow, 2.3 miles*. Trail Map »
Waukegan Savanna, 1.8 miles^. Trail Map »
Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch/DPRT, 1.6 miles. Trail Map »

Wild Card––You pick! Choose a 2-mile walk at any Lake County Forest Preserve trail.

* Counts as two trails.
^# No dogs allowed.
^{^} Not ADA accessible.

Hike Lake County Centers

Stop by any of the locations listed below for your free commemorative shield or zipper pull (while supplies last). Buy a hiking stick ($10 each) at all locations. Purchase an official Hike Lake County dog collar ($5 each) at the General Offices or Ryerson Woods. Golden Guide books ($7 each) are available at Ryerson Woods. You can also purchase official Hike Lake County gear, including apparel, accessories and great gift ideas, in our online store.

General Offices, Libertyville
Weekdays, 8 am–4:30 pm | 847-367-6640

Operations Office, Lindenhurst
Weekdays, 6:30 am–3 pm | 847-968-3411

Ryerson Woods Welcome Center, Riverwoods
Tue–Sat, 9 am–5 pm; Sun, 11 am–4 pm | 847-968-3320

Shop online store

Guided Hike Lake County Hikes

On Sundays from August 19–November 18, join a naturalist for a guided walk of some of Lake County’s breathtaking scenery. Stroll through woodlands, prairies, forests, and along the Des Plaines River Trail while improving your health and knowledge of nature.

Walks are free and open to all ages; 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Please note: with the exception of service animals, dogs and other pets are not permitted at walk programs. Dates and locations »