Hike Lake County Challenge Gets Underway

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Looking for a fresh way to embrace the fall season?

The Lake County Forest Preserves is inviting you to tackle seven unique challenges in its 26th annual Hike Lake County program and also reap the proven health benefits of spending time outdoors, according to the news release from the Lake County Forest Preserve.

If you complete seven of 12 the forest preserves' designated walks before November 30, you'll earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull.

Here is a look at the 2024 Hike Lake County locations:

• Captain Daniel Wright Woods, Mettawa, 1.2 miles Map »
• Cuba Marsh, Deer Park, 1.5 miles Map »
• Fourth Lake, Lake Villa, 1.9 miles Map »
• Fox River, Port Barrington, 2.2 miles* Map »
• Half Day, Vernon Hills, 1.1 mile^ Map »
• Heron Creek, Lake Zurich, 1.9 miles Map »
• Lake Carina, Gurnee, 1 mile^ Map »
• Lyons Woods, Waukegan, 2 miles* Map »
• Raven Glen, Antioch, 1.4 miles Map »
• Ryerson Conservation Area, Riverwoods, 2.1 miles*^ Map »
• Sedge Meadow, Wadsworth, 1.4 miles Map »
• Sun Lake, Lake Villa, 2.6 miles* Map »
• Wild Card–You Pick, choose any Lake County forest preserve trail, 2 miles* Choose »

According to Lake County Forest Preserves officials, Hike Lake County logo signs can be found at the entrance and trailhead of the preserves "to get you on the right route." Bicycling or horseback riding do not count toward the program.

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, but for larger groups, you should submit additional travel logs, according to the news release.

Participants can also let their canine companion join in the fun and complete the hikes with you. If you record your dog's name on the travel log your dog will receive a free commemorative dog tag for their collar.

Once you've completed seven hikes (or more) you can 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. All submissions must be sent by January 31, 2025.

You can also stop by the General Offices in Libertyville or the Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods to pick up your free commemorative materials.