Walk Lake Co. Program: See Fall Colors At Forest Preserves

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Forest Preserves has a challenge – or seven of them – for you. Forest preserves officials are encouraging residents to get outdoors and walk some of its trails this fall through its Hike Lake County program.

Walkers who complete seven of 12 designated walks by November 30 will earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull — while supplies last, according to a Lake County Forest Preserve press release. Here is a look at 2020 Hike Lake County locations:

• Buffalo Creek–Checker Road, west of Arlington Heights Road, 1.9 miles Trail Map »
• Captain Daniel Wright Woods, 2.4 miles--this one counts as two trails Trail Map »
• Cuba Marsh, 1.6 miles Trail Map »
• Ethel's Woods, 1.3 miles Trail Map »
• Fort Sheridan, North Entrance, 1.7 miles Trail Map »
• Grant Woods, South Entrance 1.9 miles Trail Map »
• Greenbelt, 1.3 miles Trail Map »
• Lake Carina, 1.0 mile Trail Map »
• McDonald Woods, 2.3 miles--this one counts as two trails Trail Map »
• Old School, 1.3 miles Trail Map »
• Ray Lake, 2.3 miles--this one counts as two trails Trail Map »
• Van Patten Woods, 2.4 miles-this one counts as two trails Trail Map »
• Wild Card–You Pick, choose any Lake County Forest Preserve trail, 2 miles* Trail Map »

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

For those wishing to take part in the program, you'll need an official travel log to record your routes--every walker needs their own. Let your canine companion join in the fun and complete the hikes with you--if you record their name on your travel log, your dog will receive a free commemorative dog tag . You can purchase an optional Hike Lake County dog collar to hang it on.

To receive your free dog tag, zipper pull or commemorative shield for your walking stick, submit your Travel Log online, bring it to the Hike Lake County Center, or mail it with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Lake County Forest Preserves, 1899 West Winchester Road, Libertyville by Jan. 31, 2021.

You can also stop by the General Offices in Libertyville to pick up your free commemorative materials from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Additional signs placed at trailheads remind preserve visitors to do their part and abide by rules put in place for public safety reasons to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Ranger Police closely monitor preserves and trails to ensure safety rules, social distancing and other public health guidelines are being followed as COVID-19 precautions continue, according to a news release.

Guidelines to keep in mind include:

• Bring your own alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) and face coverings.
• When arriving, if you see the parking lot is full, use our interactive trail map to find another nearby preserve.
• When in the parking lot, wait until the area near your car is clear of other nearby people before exiting or entering your car.
• Follow social distancing rules at all times by staying 6 feet apart.
• When on the trails, groups of two or more must break into single file and move to the right shoulder when approaching or passing others to allow for maximum physical distance.
• Where dogs are allowed, keep them leashed and on trails at all times, and pick up after them. Do not leave pet waste on trails or in parking lots.
• We encourage you to call 847-549-5200 if you spot anything you consider to be dangerous visitor behavior not in conformation to social distancing guidelines.
• Thank you for being respectful of the health of your fellow preserve visitors.

More via the Lake County Forest Preserves website