Hike Lake County Challenge Begins

Photo credit: Lake County Forest Preserves

The Lake County Forest Preserves has a challenge – head to the trails to participate in the Hike Lake County program while enjoying fall breezes and autumn colors. Medical research shows that being outdoors in nature has many wellness benefits. Hike Lake County provides a way to get a dose of wellness while walking in a beautiful preserve.

Complete seven of 12 designated walks before November 30 and earn a free commemorative shield for a walking stick or a zipper pull. Each year features different trails and a colorful new shield or zipper pull. Bicycling or horseback riding do not count toward the program. At each selected preserve, look for Hike Lake County logo signs at the preserve entrance and trailhead to get on the right route.

Hikers need an official travel log to record your routes. Record a dog's name on the log and they will receive a free commemorative dog tag (up to three dogs). To receive a free dog tag, zipper pull or commemorative shield, submit the 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, 2023, or stop by the General Offices in Libertyville or the Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods to pick up free commemorative materials. Check the website at lcfpd.org for hours.

The 2022 Hike Lake County locations include:

Buffalo Creek, 2.7 miles

Ethel's Woods/Raven Glen, 1.5 miles

Grant Woods, 1.6 mile

Greenbelt, 1.8 miles

Hastings Lake, 2.3 miles

Independence Grove, 1.4 miles

Lakewood, 1.3 miles

Marl Flat, 1.8 miles

Old School, 1.1 miles

Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, 2 miles

Spring Bluff, 1.8 miles