Hike Lake County Challenge Gets Underway

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

The Lake County Forest Preserves invites you to tackle seven unique challenges in its 26th annual Hike Lake County program. Lace up your walking shoes and take the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant fall colors, cool breezes and 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 designated walks before November 30, 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, according to a news release.

The 2024 Hike Lake County locations include:

• 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 »

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.

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.

You can 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.

To receive your free dog tag, zipper pull or commemorative medallion shield for your walking stick, 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, 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.