Lake Co. Forest Preserves Trails To Check Out This Fall

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The crisp fall air is here and leaves are starting to change, making it a great time to get out and check out some area forest preserves trails.

The Lake County Forest Preserves has some extra incentives to get you out and moving as part of its annual Hike Lake County challenge. Residents who complete seven of the forest preserves' 12 featured walks by Nov. 30 will be able to get a free commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull, according to a news release from the forest preserve district.

Each year the forest preserve features different trails and hands out different shields or zipper pulls, while supplies last, for those who take part in the challenge.

The 2022 Hike Lake County locations are:

• Buffalo Creek, 2.7 miles (which counts as two trails in this year's challenge) Map »
• Ethel's Woods/Raven Glen, 1.5 miles Map »
• Grant Woods, 1.6 mile^ Map »
• Greenbelt, 1.8 miles Map »
• Hastings Lake, 2.3 miles* Map »
• Independence Grove, 1.4 miles*# Map »
• Lakewood, 1.3 miles# Map »
• Marl Flat, 1.8 miles Map »
• Old School, 1.1 miles Map »
• Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, 2 miles*#^ Map »
• Spring Bluff, 1.8 miles Map »
• Van Patten Woods, 2.3 miles* Map »
• Wild Card–You Pick, choose any Lake County Forest Preserve trail, 2 miles* Map »

At each selected preserve, look for Hike Lake County logo signs at the preserve entrance and trailhead to get you on the right route.

Those participating in the challenge will need an official travel log, which you can download here, to record your routes and then, once you've completed the challenge, 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.

You can also stop by the General Offices in Libertyville or the Ryerson Welcome Center in Riverwoods to pick up your free commemorative materials between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday or 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.