Hike Lake County is an annual walking program that invites residents to explore a variety of forest preserves. | Courtesy of R. Scott McNeill
Submitted by the Lake County Forest Preserves
The Lake County Forest Preserves invites the public to tackle seven unique challenges in its 26th annual Hike Lake County program. Lace up your walking shoes and take an opportunity to enjoy the vibrant fall colors, cool breezes and the proven health benefits of spending time outdoors.
Complete seven of 12 designated walks before Nov. 30 and you’ll earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull. Each year offers a new lineup of trails, shields and zipper pulls. This season, the medallion fittingly showcases a periodical cicada.
At each selected preserve, look for Hike Lake County logo signs at the preserve entrance and trailhead to get you on the right route. Bicycling or horseback riding do not count toward the program.
A periodical cicada is featured on Hike Lake County’s commemorative shields and zipper pulls this year. | Courtesy of the Lake County Forest Preserves
To get started, you’ll need an official travel log to record your routes. One travel log can be submitted for up to five participants. For larger groups, submit additional travel logs. 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 for their collar (up to three dogs per participant).
The 2024 Hike Lake County locations include:
- Captain Daniel Wright Woods, Mettawa, 1.2 miles
- Cuba Marsh, Deer Park, 1.5 miles
-
Fourth Lake, Lake Villa, 1.9 miles
- Fox River, Port Barrington, 2.2 miles (Counts as two trails)
- Half Day, Vernon Hills, 1.1 mile (Includes some sections of trail not ADA accessible)
- Heron Creek, Lake Zurich, 1.9 miles
-
Lake Carina, Gurnee, 1 mile (Includes some sections of trail not ADA accessible)
- Lyons Woods, Waukegan, 2 miles (Counts as two trails)
- Raven Glen, Antioch, 1.4 miles
- Ryerson Conservation Area, Riverwoods, 2.1 miles (Counts as two trails, no dogs allowed, includes some sections of trail not ADA accessible)
-
Sedge Meadow, Wadsworth, 1.4 miles
- Sun Lake, Lake Villa, 2.6 miles (Counts as two trails)
- Wild Card — You Pick, choose any Lake County forest preserve trail, 2 miles (Counts as two trails)
You can also connect with nature and explore Lake County’s stunning landscapes through Guided Lake County Hikes available this season. Walk alongside a naturalist and immerse yourself in the beauty of woodlands, prairies and forests, all while learning about the local environment. Registration is required for these enriching walks.