Hike Lake County This Fall: Forest Preserve Challenge Gets Underway

LAKE COUNTY, IL — As summer winds down, the Lake County Forest Preserves is gearing up for its fall hiking challenge.

The 25th annual Hike Lake County program will kick off its fall season on Aug. 15 and continue through Nov. 30.

Those who complete seven of the 12 designated hikes below will receive a free commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull, according to a news release from the Lake County Forest Preserves.

Here is a look at the trails featured as part of this year's Hike Lake County fall challenge:

• Fort Sheridan, Lake Forest, 1.7 miles Map »
• Grant Woods, Lake Villa, 1.6 mile Map »
• Grassy Lake, Lake Barrington, 1.6 mile Map »
• Greenbelt, North Chicago, 1.3 miles Map »
• Independence Grove, Libertyville, 1.4 miles# Map »
• Marl Flat, Round Lake, 1.7 miles Map »
• McDonald Woods, Lindenhurst, 2.4 miles*^ Map »
• Nippersink, Round Lake, 1.3 miles Map »
• Pine Dunes, Antioch, 2.2 miles (this counts as two trails) Map »
• Ryerson Conservation Area, Riverwoods, 1.1 miles (no dogs allowed) Map » (trail opens September 5)
• Singing Hills, Round Lake, 2.6 miles (this counts as two trails) Map »
• Van Patten Woods, Wadswoth, 1.7 miles Map »
• Wild Card–You Pick, choose any Lake County Forest Preserve trail, 2 miles* Map »

Those wishing to participate will need an official travel log to record their route. If you're bringing your dog along, be sure to record their name on your travel log and they will receive a free commemorative dog tag.

Each year's challenge features different trails and a colorful new shield or zipper pull.

To receive your free dog tag, zipper pull or commemorative 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, 2024.

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