These 13 Lake Co. Trails Are A Part Of The 2025 Hiking Challenge

LAKE COUNTY, IL —The Hike Lake County fall program is underway.

The Lake County Forest Preserves’ 27th annual Hike Lake County program invites residents to complete scenic walks at preserves across the county, enjoying fresh air, changing landscapes and the many health benefits of time outdoors, according to a news release from the forest preserves.

Hikers can visit seven of 12 designated trails by November 30 and get the chance to earn a free commemorative medallion. Each year offers a new lineup of trails, shields and zipper pulls. This season, the medallions showcases a great horned owl, according to the news release.

The 2025 Hike Lake County locations include:

• Buffalo Creek, Long Grove, 1.9 miles
• Fort Hill Trail/Ray Lake, Mundelein, 1.3 miles
• Hastings Lake, Lake Villa, 2.1 miles (this counts as two trails)
• Independence Grove, Libertyville, 1.5 miles (no dogs allowed)
• Lakewood, Wauconda, 1.6 miles
• McDonald Woods, Lindenhurst, 2.3 miles (this counts as two trails)
• Middlefork Savanna, Lake Forest, 1.2 miles (no dogs allowed)
• Old School, Mettawa, 1.4 miles
• Prairie Wolf, Deerfield, 0.9 miles
• Rollins Savanna, Grayslake, 1.5 miles
• Spring Bluff, Winthrop Harbor, 1.8 miles
• Van Patten Woods, Wadsworth, 2.5 miles
• Wild Card–You Pick, choose any Lake County Forest Preserve trail, 2 miles*

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, and for larger groups, you can submit additional travel logs. Up to two logs can be submitted per address, and you can also bring your pet along on dog-friendly trails.

If you record your pet's name on your log your dog will receive a free commemorative dog tag for their collar. At each selected preserve, look for Hike Lake County signs at the preserve entrance and trailhead to get you on the right route. Bicycling or horseback riding do not count toward the program.
To receive your free commemorative medallion, 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, 2026, according to the news release.

You should allow 7 to 14 business days for processing and include a valid email on your Travel Log in case we need to reach you. You can also stop by the General Offices in Libertyville or the Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods.

Guided Hikes

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.